Strathclyde Sirens captain Gia Abernethy announces retirement from Superleague Netball

Strathclyde Sirens captain Gia Abernethy has announced her retirement.

The 28-year-old Australian, who has spent the last four years at the Glasgow side, admitted she would struggle to compete at the top level for another full season.

Abernethy was signed up for the Sirens in 2018 after impressing former head coach Gail Parata during a tournament New Zealand and was named club captain a year later.

She says she has loved her time in Scotland and “fantastic” spell at the Sirens.

Announcing her retirement on Friday, she said: “Physically and mentally I’m not sure I have a whole other season in me.

“While it has been a fantastic four years as a Siren, I know to be part of this special franchise I need to be able to give 100% of myself and if I’m not able to commit 100% to the team then that just wouldn’t sit right with me.”

Abernethy was a training partner with Adelaide Thunderbirds when she was called up to join Sirens in a Super Cup tournament in Nelson, NZ.

Parata quickly offered a contract to Abernethy and the move to Glasgow came a few weeks later.

Karen Atkinson, director of Netball at Strathclyde Sirens, hailed the “leader’s” impact at the club.

She said: “She has had such an impact on the environment, the culture and the training ethic. I have been in many teams as a player and a coach and she is by far one of the best leaders I have had the pleasure to work with.

“She is extremely selfless and puts the team first.”

Current Sirens head coach, Lesley MacDonald added: “Gia is one of the best individuals I have had the pleasure of coaching and has been a truly inspiring leader.

“She will leave and an amazing legacy here at Strathclyde Sirens.”