The dynamic and hard-working midcourter, hailing from a farm in West Otago, suiting up for Blue Mountain College and St Hilda’s Collegiate before stamping her mark with the Southern Steel.
But many — for some reason — were still surprised by the 50-cap Silver Fern’s dominance in Super Netball in Australia this season.
Heffernan won the title — and her first in eight years since her first season with the Steel — with the Adelaide Thunderbirds thumping the defending champion Melbourne Vixens 61-40 last week.
It was a remarkable performance from the Thunderbirds, who are also home to two Australian Diamonds, two Jamaicans and one South African. They became the most successful franchise in the Super Netball era with their third title and earned their seventh title in 30 years, equalling the national record.
But Heffernan earned her own accolades. She was named the league’s midcourter of the year and the international player of the year — out of more than 20 internationals — by her peers.
Heffernan was the benchmark midcourter, finishing fourth overall for goal assists (218).
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua was chuffed with Heffernan’s form as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games.
‘‘Brilliant. Didn’t surprise me actually,’’ Taurua said.
‘‘But she’s gone into a really awesome team with amazing individuals which has helped her growth. I can’t wait to see her on court.’’
Heffernan was one of nine Kiwis playing in Australia this season — and was the standout.
Grace Nweke returned to the NSW Swifts for her second season.
The Swifts were hit by injuries, leading Nweke to play with several goal attacks and change the flow of ball into her.
Still the Silver Fern shooter sat second in the league for goals (667) and fourth for offensive rebounds (68).
Kelly Jackson had a massive season at the back for the Queensland Firebirds.
She finished second in the league for intercepts (35) and scooped the franchise’s four major awards for her efforts, including being named MVP.
The defender was joined by Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Maddy Gordon in purple, leading to the side being nicknamed the Fire Ferns.
Selby-Rickit took a little bit to find her feet in the new league, but had a fine back half of the season, while Gordon started on fire before she was sidelined through injury.
She returned in the latter rounds and provided her usual punch in the midcourt and will be better for the experience as she prepares for her first Commonwealth Games.
Up the road, Silver Ferns captain Karin Burger acknowledged it took her a while to adapt to the new league with the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
But she came right by the end to finish fifth for intercepts (23) and was tenacious in the circle with Australian Diamond Courtney Bruce.
Whitney Souness and Jane Watson had a less than desirable season with the Giants.
They faced a winless season until they saved the best for last to beat cross-town rivals the Swifts in their final game.
Souness, who captained the Giants, was guilty of lots of errors as her team struggled and she tried to do too much to help out. Often her speed caught others off guard and they were not quite ready for the ball she delivered.
Watson was ravaged by injuries to both legs and spent much of her season sidelined. She helped guide the young crew around her when she did play and returned for the final game where she announced her retirement from professional netball.
Gina Crampton was a maternity cover for the Swifts but did not see much game time. She later helped the Mainland Tactix back in New Zealand.
