Netball Super League | Fan favourite Fadoju given the freedom to fly as she scoops award

Credit: Ben Lumley

Fan favourite Funmi Fadoju praised her defensive partner Halimat Adio for giving her the freedom to reach new heights this year.

In a campaign which has seen her dominate the leaderboard for most intercepts, gains and deflections, Fadoju was voted as Fans’ Player of the Season.

Her all-action style of defending has seen her earn plenty of plaudits but the 21-year-old believes she can still rise higher.

“It’s probably the best season I’ve had so far,” she said. “I’m really proud of this season but there’s still more to go and so much more to learn.

“Having an amazing Halimat behind my back, her help has been immense this season. Hali gives me the freedom to play at goal defence.

“She has communication, leadership skills and control at the back which allows me to fly out and go for the ball.

“I’m proud we work so well together – we’ve built that relationship throughout the season which has been building every year.

“As I’ve been playing my game this year, nothing’s been holding me back so I just go out there and have fun.”

Named in the Team of the Week an unbelievable 13 times 🤯

The All Star VII GD needs no introduction, it’s @Pulse_Netball’s @FadojuFunmi 💗

📊 183 deflections, 50 intercepts, 101 gains, Funmi has topped all of the #NSL2024 defensive stats tables in an outstanding season. pic.twitter.com/qb5f3gpQbU

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) July 8, 2024

As well as Adio, who Fadoju has been playing alongside at London Pulse for five seasons, Fadoju lauded the whole team and management, who have enabled her to thrive and work on her game awareness this year.

“In the past, I was always known as someone who was quite zoney,” she added. “I was off the body and not very physical.

“This year, they’ve helped me work on that, so I’ve been able to improve on my physicality, man-on-man defence, tracking and dictating skills.

“I can still be zoney, but now I know how to be a bit more on-body, how to shut down one option and go for the next one.

“I’ve wanted to see that I can win more ball, and also know when not to win ball but just shut my player down.

“The structure has helped us play to our strengths and the team has given me the confidence to just go for it – even if you don’t get the ball it’s ok but just go for it.

“They have helped me know what I need to work on and pushed me to get there.”

London Pulse NSL Awards 2024

One player shone brighter than anyone in the league this year and picked up the following awards:

Coaches’ Player of the Season
Players’ Player of the Season
Fan’s Player of the Season

3 Awards, 1 winner – she needs no introduction:

Funmi Fadoju pic.twitter.com/U0sxHjYZtd

— London Pulse Netball (@Pulse_Netball) July 3, 2024

Fadoju’s stats have been phenomenal this season, topping the table on all defensive figures.

In the regular rounds she achieved 48 intercepts and 92 gains, both numbers 19 and 11 respectively more than the next highest players.

On deflections, she achieved a staggering 159 deflections in the regular round, 64 more than achieved by next best on the leader board, England legend Geva Mentor of Leeds Rhinos.

Fadoju has been consistently unstoppable and was named in the Netball Super League Team of the Week 13 times out of a possible 19.

Her partnership with Adio in the third-place play-off was also crucial in securing the four-goal victory on Finals Day, once again proving the impact of the Pulse defence.

Alongside the immense growth in her game, Fadoju was delighted at the fan support she and the team have received this season.

“They give us so much energy out there,” she added.

“Having people see us play is so important. We work so hard behind the scenes, so it means so much that the fans pay their money to come and watch us and spread the love of the sport.”

To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter.