Super Netball 2025: West Coast Fever star Sunday Aryang has sister Ruth in her thoughts for premiership push
In what would have been a dream scenario, the sisters were meant to be playing side by side in Fever's defence in 2025.
Unfortunately, Ruth, 21, ruptured her Achilles at training in April, ending her first season on a fully-fledged contract before it had even properly begun.
Sunday said Ruth not being out on the court with her in the decider on Saturday added to her motivation to win the premiership.
'It's definitely sucked not having her in the environment and not being able to watch her grow and flourish in her first year as a contracted player,' she told The West Australian.
'I know she's super happy, super proud of the girls and she's excited for us girls to make it to the finals.
'In that moment I can't wait to celebrate with her. Even though she won't be on the court, I'm looking forward to us getting that moment.
'Since her injury it's added a lot of motivation to the way that I've played and going into games, I've definitely had that focus for Ruthie in the back of my mind. And knowing that she can't be in that position, so going out there and doing it for her as well.' Sunday and Ruth Aryang celebrate a win. Credit: James Worsfold / Getty Images
Sunday, 24, is one of four players still at the club from their 2022 premiership alongside Alice Teague-Neeld, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and captain Jess Anstiss.
'In 2022 when we won, it was an insane year and it being the first time there was so much joy, so much excitement,' she said.
'After that you get that craving of wanting to win another one. The difference with this one is to be in a position to go again, we've been wanting it for the last couple of years.
'Everyone is hungrier and there's a different kind of excitement and joy about it, but it's trying to keep the processes the same and not get too ahead of ourselves.'
Aryang has established herself as one of the best defenders in Australia since she made her Super Netball debut in 2019.
However, she's taken her game to a new level in 2025 as part of a powerhouse Fever defensive unit that has become nearly uncrackable in their 13-game unbeaten run.
'I would definitely say it's one of my best years. After last year, I remembered going away to one of the Diamonds commitments and just coming out of that and thinking 'I'm going to do whatever it takes to be the best version of myself',' Aryang said.
'And to be able to go out on court and be happy with my performance after every game and I think that really trended straight into Super Netball this season.
'It's just great to be able to go out there and just feels so confident and comfortable with what you're doing.'
And the scary prospect is Aryang has faith that she can continue to develop her game going forward at both the international and domestic level.
'There is so much more I can learn and so much more I can grow,' she said.
'I find it weird sometimes I did debut so young, and I am still so young because I've been around for so long.
'It's great the people that I've had around me and just to see the growth from when I was 19 to now. I can't wait to be in a different position next year and be even better and hopefully grow even more.' A young Sunday Aryang playing for West Coast Fever. Credit: Albert Perez / Getty Images
Aryang won't have long to celebrate the grand final having once again been picked for the Diamonds in two bumper series against South Africa and New Zealand in the Constellation Cup later this year.
'It's always exciting when I get selected for Diamonds. It's something I've always dreamt of and it's great that I am still in that position,' she said.
'It never gets too much for me, I am always looking forward to going again and being able to improve.
'I've learnt so much in the Fever environment but then to go away to Diamonds and learn even more in that environment too, it's great to have both of those areas where I can improve.'
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