By Stephanie Smarrelli
For Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Saturday night's premiership was about more than the medal around her neck.
It was about the little boy she carried onto the court moments after the Thunderbirds’ Grand Final victory.
While navigating one of the toughest periods of her life following the birth of her son, Xaihire, Sterling-Humphrey returned to the court and helped the Thunderbirds claim their third premiership in four seasons.
The defender has spoken openly throughout the year about her battle with postpartum depression, using her platform to encourage other women to seek help and reminding them they are not alone.
On Saturday night, with Xaihire in her arms and another premiership secured, she experienced the moment she had hoped for when she returned to the court.
“I always wanted to have a baby and come back to netball for him to witness how great his mum is,” Sterling-Humphrey said after the win.
“I’m glad I'm able to get that moment and to top it off with a championship after everything I've been through to bring him here, I'm super grateful.
“I wouldn't change it for anything.”
Sterling-Humphrey's return boosted one of world netball's most formidable defensive ends.
The 30-year-old, alongside Suncorp Player of the Match Latanya Wilson and Australian Diamond Matilda Garrett, suffocated the Vixens’ attack on the weekend.
“I knew we would win based on how our team was this year,” Sterling-Humphrey said.
Sterling-Humphrey was confident they had the team to win the premiership.
“The depth in our team and how the Thunderbirds have supported me through my postpartum depression, I’m really grateful.
“I believed this team was going to win the championship.”
Wilson, seated alongside Sterling-Humphrey in the post-match press conference, commended the entire team for the defensive display that yielded 24 gains.
“It's so important all of us know our roles out there on court and back each other in,” Wilson said.
“The team really helped us to get the job done and made it a little bit easier for us to win balls.”
Despite her own starring role, Sterling-Humphrey was quick to acknowledge the work of head coach Tania Obst and assistant coach Cathy Fellows.
“We're ball winners, we're defenders,” Sterling-Humphrey said.
“The way Cathy and Tania have structured this team, the way they coach us and the way Cathy breaks down the game for us is something that we are very lucky to have.
“We're super grateful and we’ve always been the best defensive team in the competition.”
While another premiership added to the Thunderbirds' growing dynasty, Obst said Sterling-Humphrey's personal journey was just as significant.
Sterling-Humphrey's glad her son was able to be there for the win.
"She came here as a shy Jamaican girl and the growth of her game has been impressive,” Obst said.
“But there were times at the end of last year where just making Shamera happy again would have been a win.
“The work she's had to do both on and off the court has been so commendable and the spirit that she's shown to come back and to play like she hasn't been off the court has been amazing.
“I don't have the words for her.
“She’s super special.”
Help is available, if you’re in need of support here are some of the resources available to you. In the case of an emergency please call 000.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 or www.beyondblue.org.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
Yarning Safe N Strong: 1800 959 563 or https://www.vahs.org.au/yarning-safenstrong/
Q Life: 1800 184 527 or https://qlife.org.au/
