Aussie sporting great goes public with ‘hardest secret to keep'
The 32-year-old, co-captain of club and vice-captain of country, narrowly missed out on playing off for another title when the Swifts fell to eventual premiers Melbourne Vixens in a thrilling preliminary final last month.
But Hadley still had reason to celebrate with partner Jordan.
'MUM & DAD… what?!? Still can't believe I'm growing a little human!' Hadley wrote on Thursday.
'Jord and I are beyond excited to be welcoming a new addition to our family in early 2026.
'This has definitely been the hardest secret to keep this season (especially that first trimester sickness), but I'm so grateful for all the love and support so far.
'It's already been such a wild ride, and we're so ready for this next chapter.
'While things will be a little different as I take a break from the netty court (my lower limbs are very grateful), I look forward to hopefully being back out there with the gals when the time is right.
'For now, I'll be the Swifts and Diamonds' No.1 fan girl.' Paige Hadley played out the Super Netball season while pregnant. Credit: AAP
Teammates, friends and fans rallied around the couple, with fellow Swifts and Diamonds star — and recent first-time mum — Maddy Proud already looking forward to play dates.
'Best news ever. Lily can't wait to meet her new little bestie,' wrote Proud, who skipped the 2025 season and gave birth to her daughter in May.
Hadley, a dual Super Netball premiership captain, dual World Cup winner and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, missed games late in the season with leg injuries before returning for the finals.
While she has put her sporting goals to one side to focus on the road ahead, the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning in July have been earmarked for a comeback.
'Life is all about timing, and this is a really special moment for Jordan and I and we are very grateful for the love and kindness we've received since finding out,' Hadley said in a separate club statement.
'It has been a crazy couple of months but we are feeling extremely blessed and can't wait to grow our little family.
'I feel very fortunate to everyone, especially those within netball community who have been so supportive ahead of what's a really important and special time for my family and I.
'While it is definitely my aim to return to the court for both Swifts and the Diamonds, I am looking forward to some time away as Jordan and I begin our new journey together as parents.
'I still have some big goals I'd love to achieve at the Swifts and at international level, and will look to make these a reality when the time is right. But for now, it's time to focus on my family. I am so excited for the next chapter that lays ahead of me.' Swifts star Maddy Proud became a mother earlier this year, with her premiership co-captain Paige Hadley following suit in early 2026. Credit: Chris Hyde / Getty Images
Swifts coach Briony Akle also celebrated the 'joyous news'.
'All of our playing group, coaching staff and wider club staff could not be happier for them,' she said.
'We will absolutely miss Paigey on the court but that feeling is quickly cancelled out by the joy we feel for her.
'This is a huge life milestone for Paige and I know she'll be wonderful at it. She is one of the greatest leaders in Australian sport and I know she'll bring that same energy as a mum.
'While Paige will have some very important time away to begin this new chapter, I know that down the line she still has big dreams she wants to fulfil in the Red Dress.
'She is arguably the greatest Swift of the modern era and, when the time is right, we'll do everything we can to help make them a reality.'
Vixens champion Rudi Ellis has been called up to replace Hadley in the Diamonds' squad for three Tests against South Africa and the four-match Constellation Cup series against New Zealand in October.
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