@TB easy to do :-D. It’s easy to think that with a new incoming coach and then all of a sudden there are departures that they might not get on with the coach. If anything, having Wilkins as coach probably made leaving even harder, as all the feedback I heard around her input at the Tactix was positive. And yes, the Steel have got themselves a good shooter for next year.
The tier system is an interesting one. As of a couple of seasons ago the highest paid netballer in the country was only tier 2 or 3. I can’t quite remember. There are non playing agreements that are utilised in addition to third party agreements which can easily see these lower tier players earning more than tier 1 players. Then outside of that, agents might find additional people who want to help plyers stay in certain teams.
I think the tier system does an ok job. If you look at the Pulse and Mystics, they each had 5-6 Ferns on their roster each. That’s probably the deciding factor in their success more than the tier system. Steel had all of two players, the Heffernans.
@Paul2020 Normally there are other considerations when looking at moving teams, but because no one knows what is going to happen past season 2025, I think it would be foolish to leave a large amount of money on the table when one is offered it. These ladies don’t get paid that well to be fair. If you are a top level Fern then yes you are probably earning over $100k, but that is a very select few. If you are outside of the Ferns frame then your income is decidedly average, especially if you are a lower tier player.
I’m hoping that Sky will reallocate the money back that they cut from netball but I don’t think they will. They made it quite clear that they want to have the best women’s Basketball league in the world. Personally I don’t think they will get there but I guess it’s another opportunity for women’s sport.