Southern stage all set to give long-serving Frew fitting farewell

For me, it is and always has been, about the team. Wendy Frew

Stadium Southland has made a special tribute to retiring Southern Steel skipper Wendy Frew ahead of the defending champion’s final ANZ Premiership home stadium clash next Wednesday night.

The venue will be temporarily renamed as Wendy Frew Stadium for the elimination final to honour the 33-year-old veteran’s loyal service to Southland netball.

After a 16-year career and 174 games with the Steel and their predecessors, the Sting, Frew will lead her side for the final time on home ground next week as the proud Southlander eyes a spot in the grand final.

Frew was lost for words at the announcement.

“How do you actually put into words what a tribute like this means? It’s very humbling,” she said.

“For me, it is and always has been, about the team — that doesn’t change going into this game. I’m just absolutely stoked to be taking the court with my teammates and plan to just embrace it all.”

ILT Stadium Southland general manager Nigel Skelt said it felt right to honour Frew in this way.

“This is Wendy’s home and she’s played all of her netball here since day one. Without question, the venue is the hub of our Southland sporting community and the heart, determina- tion and values shown here also reflect Wendy’s life and the way she operates,” he said.

“She’s been a fantastic role model, not just for netball but sport in general across the province and New Zealand, so we think this is an incredibly fitting tribute.

“This is the first time in our history we have taken this bold step and we wouldn’t be able to achieve that without the support of our naming rights partner the Invercargill Licensing Trust.”

The Steel’s opponent is yet to be revealed with both the Mainland Tactix and Northern Mystics in contention for third place on the Premiership ladder.

The Tactix currently lead the Mystics by two points, but if the northerners secure a win over the Central Pulse tonight, third place will be decided by percentage. — NZME

Photo / Photosport The Steel will rename their stadium in honour of retiring captain Wendy Frew for their final home game next week.