Netball: Wilson set for return

Adine Wilson. Herald file picture

Southern Sting wing attack Adine Wilson could make a long-awaited return from injury when Sting take on Force at Stadium Southland on Sunday.

Yesterday, Sting coach Robyn Broughton said Wilson was itching to get back on court to help out her National Bank Cup team-mates against the North Harbour-based side.

"She'll definitely be back next week, there's no doubt about it," Broughton said.

Wilson was being a little more cautious yesterday, saying she still had to get the all clear from her sports doctor and physiotherapist -- as well as passing a fitness test before pulling the wing attack bib on.

There was an indication her return was close after she warmed up with her teammates on Saturday before their loss to the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.

"I've never felt so excited about a warmup before," she said.

Wilson has missed the first five rounds of the competition after tearing the meniscus in her knee during a pre-season game in Australia.

If she gets on court against Force it will have been six weeks since she last played netball.

Sting wing defence Wendy Telfer was Wilson's initial replacement but she had been placed back in the defensive arrangement after the season-ending injury to Megan Hutton.

Renee Jacobsen has been the team's third-string wing attack and the change in personnel has had a detrimental affect on the feeding into the circle.

Wilson said she has felt hopeless sitting on the sideline in recent weeks, as the Sting have loss successive matches to the Auckland Diamonds (40-44) and the Magic (42-56).

"You haven't got the opportunity to perhaps go out there and help out. Watching from the sideline is definitely harder. Before a game I get nervous but once I'm on the court it goes."

- NZPA