Netball community rallies behind Dalton
Former Silver Fern, Southern Sting and Steel netball star Tania Dalton is in hospital fighting for her life after collapsing during a social game of touch on Thursday.
The southern netball community were quick to offer their support when news of the incident emerged.
Netball South chief executive officer Lana Winders said the netball community is understandably devastated.
‘‘She is such a vibrant part of our Sting and latterly Steel family and always so proud of her connection to the deep south,’’ Winders said.
‘‘Our thoughts are with Duane, their children and Tania’s wider family at this time, including so many in netball circles which reflects the incredible impact she has on our game and in people’s lives.’’
Former Southern Sting teammate Natalie Avellino first played with Dalton in the 2004 season.
‘‘I suppose it is a really personal situation for them and I just hope she gets through this,’’ Avellino said.
‘‘I think it is pretty emotional for the people around her and who know her and I just hope she fights the battle. She’s a fighter and a great person and I just hope everything comes right.’’
Dalton headed to Southland in 2002, after playing for the Northern Force, and was part of the championship winning Southern Sting side from 2002 to 2006.
She was also briefly called into the Southern Steel squad in 2008 and 2011 as injury cover. The goal shoot and goal attack played 37 tests for the Silver Ferns from 1996-2007, but missed the 2005 campaign through injury and was now a commentator for Sky TV.
The 45-year-old was in a critical but stable condition in Auckland Hospital yesterday morning.
Dalton had experienced a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm during the game on Thursday, her family said.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the front of the brain.
‘‘[The family] would like to thank people for their concern and kindness, but request privacy at this difficult time while they focus on caring for Tania,’’ a statement issued yesterday said.
Former Silver Fern Joan Hodson said she was devastated when she received the news late on Saturday night.
‘‘It’s terrible,’’ Hodson said. ‘‘When I heard I sent my prayers and well wishes to her family. She’s a real fighter, so hopefully she’ll get through it.’’
Hodson played against Dalton in the national competition as Dalton was starting her career and said she was definitely a player you’d have to look out of.
‘‘You couldn’t rule her out. She was a pretty mean goal shooter.’’