Flanagan ready to keep the good times rolling

The wing defence took a year away from the court to pursue other adventures but has slotted straight back in as Surrey Storm reached the top four for the first time in seven years.

Flanagan spent five years at Wasps but returned to Storm, with whom she won titles in 2015 and 2016, and was recognised with a place in the All Star VII for strong defensive displays.

“It was really hard for me to decide whether to come back or not,” Flanagan explained. “I had a really good time in my year off but it meant I think when I did come back, I was really refreshed.

“I worked hard on my fitness, my strength and conditioning, and I think that has really come through on the court.

“I felt strong, I felt really good in myself and playing in a unit with Layla [Guscoth], with Hannah [Knights] and with Leah [Middleton], with all of our defenders. It has really helped me excel and be the player I’ve been this year.

“I’ve been so grateful to come back. I’ve been welcomed into Storm, it was where I started, so it is lovely to have those memories again and come back. I’m just really happy with how it’s gone and how the girls have come together.”

Flanagan was the only wing defence to feature in the top five for deflections (67), and the only mid-courter in the top ten for intercepts (37) and turnovers (63), in the 2023 season.

The 29-year-old admitted had had reservations about returning in 2024 but after a brief adventure with Storm and Wasps teammate Hannah Knights as they take on the Winchester Pedal Paddle Pace race in July, Flanagan has expressed her desire to continue tearing it up on the court next year.

Super Amy 🦸‍♀️

Fantastic positioning and elevation from @amyhflanagan sees @SurreyStorm capitalise on another important turnover ✅

Watch the second half live on @SkySports YouTube 📺#NSL2023 l #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/ZHSuV6lqtr

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 22, 2023

She added: “I’m hoping to be back next year. Again, I had a bit of an umming and ahhing and asking ‘Do I want to?’

“But I have enjoyed this season so much, I still think there’s a bit more I can do, there are a few miles left in these legs yet, so hopefully I’ll be back next year.

“This is just the start for Storm, it takes a long time to build a team back up. 

“I know when lots of us left to go to Wasps, they had to have a rebuild period and we’re starting to see the fruits of that coming through now. 

“If we can keep the core together, it is as much about getting used to that winning culture and rebuilding that at Storm. 

Out of the blocks 🏃‍♀️

A speedy start for @SurreyStorm‘s @amyhflanagan who comes flying in to take the first steal of the night 🕵️‍♀️#GetSomeNet | #NSL2023 pic.twitter.com/j8KjNHN6HI

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 14, 2023