Southern Steel have chosen a new co-captain model, announcing that former Taxtix captain Kimiora Poi will join existing Steel captain Kate Heffernan in the top on-court position, for their 2025 year.

The joint captain model is not new in netball with top performing teams Central Pulse and Northern Mystics both employing the model in recent years.

Heffernan has had eight years with Steel, the last year as captain, while Poi formally led the Mainland Tactix before joining the Southern Steel team this season.

Southern Steel coach Wendy Frew said both players had so many exceptional qualities they would bring to the captaincy.

“I believe they each have a unique style to offer which will complement the other."

"They are powerful players who not only communicate well verbally, but their actions on court also speak volumes as well."

“I am confident they will form a strong partnership, and both have the ability to really influence this group in a positive way and bring out the best in all of us."

“Abby deserves her reputation as one of the sport’s hardest grafters and it’s that determined attitude, her knowledge of the game and the genuine connections she forms which will be hugely beneficial in a leadership role.”

Heffernan was “super grateful” for the opportunity.

“I think together Kimi and I can definitely bring the best out of each other and the team so I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

“I am still learning and growing in the leadership space but I believe that being able to lead through my actions on and off the court is super important in driving a successful team.

“We have a really exciting team this year and it’s an awesome group of girls. Wendy and Liana (assistant coach Leota) have been awesome and really set the tone. I can’t wait for the season to get started.”

For Poi, the appointment was an unexpected surprise.

“The opportunity to be co-captains with Kate is one I'm grateful for."

"Coming into a new team and franchise, it's not really something I thought about to be honest."

"But I'm looking forward to seeing how we can continue growing and supporting each other as leaders,” she said.

“Kate and I have different strengths as leaders which I think complement each other well."

"For me personally, I'm really just wanting to keep being myself, led by example and be there in a way to get the best out of everyone both on and off the court.”

She was eagerly anticipating the launch of the ANZ Premiership.

“The team culture and vibes are really great, especially given it’s a relatively new team."

"We've been working hard to build new combinations and we can't wait to just start playing.”