Cover Photo: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
Writers: Katrina Nissen, Ariane Virgona, Jenny Sinclair, Ian Harkin, Georgia Doyle
Photographers: Hannah Howard, May Bailey, Clinton Bradbury
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Results
Adelaide Thunderbirds 66 def Melbourne Vixens 53
Sunshine Coast Lightning 69 def Melbourne Mavericks 59
Queensland Firebirds 62 def Giants Netball 57
NSW Swifts 67 def West Coast Fever 49
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Milestones
Liz Watson – 150 caps
Tayla Williams – 50 caps
Hannah Mundy – 50 caps
Thunderbirds midcourter Tayla Williams celebrated her 50th National League game. Image – Hannah Howard/OnTheBall Media
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Debutants
Sasha Glasgow (Mavericks)
Maggie Caris (Vixens)
Baylee Boyd (Lightning)
Hope White (Giants)
Imogen Allison (Firebirds)
Ash Barnett (Firebirds)
Mary Cholhok (Firebirds)
Grace Nweke (Swifts)
In her SSN debut Mary Cholhok
Image – May Bailey | Clusterpix Sports Photography
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Injuries
Eleanor Cardwell (Mavericks) – knee
Lauren Parkinson (Mavericks) – knee
Leesa MiMi (Lightning) – calf
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LET’S TALK ABOUT:
Jo Harten and her wife welcomed their first child earlier in the week, a baby girl born on Thursday morning. We wish them all the best.
Congratulations also go to Em Mannix and her partner, who welcomed a daughter during the off-season.
Super Netball broke Round 1 attendance records with an eight percent increase on last season, with 22 369 going through the turnstiles.
West Coast Fever have thrown their support around Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, who suffered a devastating miscarriage recently. Fowler-Nembhard has made a return to Fever’s training environment, but there’s plenty for the club and Netball Australia to resolve with Mwai Kumwenda contracted as Fowler-Nembhard’s replacement. While there’s no guarantee when – or even if – the Jamaican superstar returns to court this season, it’s a sensitive situation for all concerned.
Mwai Kumwenda made a welcome return to court. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
With off-season surgery for Romelda Aiken-George, young star Sanmarie Visser (South Africa) was contracted as a temporary replacement player despite being a defender. With Aiken-George now ruled fit to play, Visser’s contract has lapsed, but Visser is set to remain in the Thunderbirds environment in some sort of training partner capacity. Even if she doesn’t get on court in an official capacity, her time in the environment will be a huge boost to the rising star’s career.
Eleanor Cardwell had hoped to be fit for the Mavericks’ campaign, after meniscus surgery during the off season. However, the English Rose underwent further surgery a couple of weeks ago, which will leave her out of contention for a reported 8 to 12 weeks.
Congratulations to Amy Parmenter, who together with Molly Croft, were finalists in the NSW Young Australian of the Year, for the work they are doing in raising awareness and funds for sarcoma research. Through the Tie Dye Project, the duo have raised more than $1 million.
And finally, the Firebirds will be hoping to put controversy behind them after being mired in it for several years. They parted company with coach Bec Bulley midseason 2024, before going through another two temporary coaches in the following weeks. Athletes Remi Kamo and Donnell Wallam weren’t recontracted, with Kamo lodging a formal complaint including allegations of a toxic environment and bullying.
Netball Australia appointed an independent investigator to assess the claims, with the club and Bulley reportedly told prior to Christmas that the claims couldn’t be ‘substantiated’. Kamo and the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) weren’t informed of the results until last month, and despite several requests haven’t been given a copy of the report.
Kamo released a stinging rebuke on her socials stating that Netball Australia were complicit in a silencing culture in the sport, despite verbally confirming to her that the environment was ‘toxic’. ANPA have expressed their disappointment with the process and results, and have said from their perspective, the matter is ‘not yet closed, and ANPA will continue to work with Netball Australia to reach an appropriate resolution for the players.”
Netball Australia have committed to” deliver ongoing education around bullying, harassment and cultural and psychological safety across all Super Netball Clubs.”
A win on debut for new Firebirds coach Kiri Wills. Image – May Bailey | Clusterpix Sports Photography
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Stats of the week
Over the course of an entire 60 minute match, the two players used in the goal attack position for Sunshine Coast Lightning, Cara Koenen and Reilley Batcheldor, combined for just one goal assist and two feeds. Normally, that would be a damning statistic, but in this instance, it was as planned for Lightning.
The decision to play captain Steph Fretwell in the goal shooter position was, as it turns out, a masterstroke. At the centre pass, and in the centre third, Koenen and Batcheldor played the regular goal attack role. But once the ball crossed the transverse line into the attacking third, Fretwell took over as the playmaking shooter, while Koenen and Batcheldor took the position as the dominant scorer. Fretwell finished the game with 13 assists and 20 feeds, something you don’t often see from a player in the goal shooter position.
Whether this positional change for Fretwell will continue is uncertain, but the end result of this game is that it worked, and two goal attacks combining for only one assist and two feeds was all just part of the plan. During the game, Fretwell reached the statistical milestone of 250 super shots scored. She now sits on 255, third only behind Helen Housby (291) and Jo Harten (271).
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Rolling stat of the season
Adelaide Thunderbirds were clearly the best second quarter team in 2024, and perhaps that will continue in 2025. In their match against Vixens, they won the first, third, and fourth quarters combined by just two goals. But then there was the second quarter. They dominated those 15 minutes to the tune of 21-10, setting them up for a good win.
During 2024, this was how each team performed in the second quarter of their games. As you can see, Thunderbirds were well ahead of the pack. And the four semi-final teams had the four best records. Is the second quarter really the “championship quarter”?
2nd Quarter differential:
Thunderbirds +73 goals
Vixens +23 goals
Lightning +16 goals
Fever +4 goals
Swifts -6 goals
Firebirds -32 goals
Giants -33 goals
Mavericks -45 goals
Shamera Sterling-Humphrey blocks a two-point shot by Kiera Austin. Image – Hannah Howard/OnTheBall Media
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Match wraps
Adelaide Thunderbirds 66 def Melbourne Vixens 53
The Adelaide Thunderbirds have thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the competition, running out 13-goal victors over the Melbourne Vixens. Both sides emptied the bench to afford their youngsters valuable experience. Thunderbirds controlled the first half with defensive gains being collected from both ends of the court.
It was the Romelda Aiken-George of old as she dominated the shooting end for Thunderbirds. She finished with 97% shooting stats and didn’t miss until late in the third quarter. But it was a strong performance all round by the premiers. For Vixens, rookie Lily Graham was a standout with her poise and confidence at post. She slotted 13/15 against the intimidating presence of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.
Both sides were ready to bring the physical battle from the first whistle. Image – Hannah Howard/OnTheBall Media
Latanya Wilson almost ended up in commentary against the Vixens. Image – Hannah Howard/OnTheBall Media
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Sunshine Coast Lightning 69 def Melbourne Mavericks 59
Sunshine Coast Lightning have finally shown the form that was expected of them last season. Despite the side still suffering injuries, they took a convincing ten-goal victory over the Melbourne Mavericks. Lightning seamlessly rotated their goalers, starting Steph Fretwell at goal shooter to utilise her impressive game smarts, and rewarding Reilley Batcheldor’s patience with 30 minutes at goal attack. After seasons of being seen as almost a specialist two-point shooter, this was Batcheldor’s most impressive all round game to date.
Mavericks midcourt, while versatile and tenacious, coughed up 17 of the team’s 20 turnovers. This is an area they will need to tidy up if they want to push for finals this season. In her first official game back from injury, Sasha Glasgow showed that she will be a key player for the Mavericks this season.
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Queensland Firebirds 62 def Giants Netball 57
The new-look Firebirds started strongly, blowing the home side out of the water in the first quarter. Enter, youngster Hope White, who reinvigorated the Giants with a clean possession gain and court smarts beyond her years. The Giants clawed their way back and set up an epic battle in the second half. For Firebirds, Macy Gardner was outstanding in the first three quarters. Despite a few nervous moments in the final quarter, Firebirds were able to hold on and claim their first ever round one win in Super Netball.
In positive signs for the Firebirds, perhaps they have managed to tidy up their turnovers from years past. Heading into the final term of this match, they had only conceded six general play turnovers, and they ended the game with just 12. They will need to lift their shooting accuracy if they hope to contest finals however. Their percentage fell below 60% throughout the game and finished on a mediocre 70.2%. Youngster Erin O’Brien had an exceptional game against Mary Cholhok. Her footwork caused confusion for Firebirds feeders and she was able to out-rebound the Ugandan on three occasions and collected four intercepts.
Queensland Firebirds midcourter Macy Gardner claimed MVP honours in her side’s win over GIANTS.
Image – May Bailey | Clusterpix Sports Photography
Lara Dunkley takes the ball under pressure. Image – May Bailey | Clusterpix Sports Photography
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NSW Swifts 67 def West Coast Fever 49
After a slightly nervous start, Grace Nweke showed why she’s going to be one of the biggest names in Super Netball this season. With balls flying in from all directions, Nweke got airborne under the post and ended with a game high 52 goals at 86.7 % accuracy. Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau came up with a collective nine gains, but were still a little expensive with 27 penalties between them. And former Fever favourite Verity Simmons received a warm welcome from fans, despite taking to the court in red. Simmons skills were on display as she found Nweke with ease, while Paige Hadley played a crucial game linking attack and defence.
A range of basic errors marred Fever’s game, as they clearly missed superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard under the post, having to work the ball around more and giving their opposition more of an opportunity to hunt any stray passes. Having topped team stat leaderboards for several seasons, Fever’s centre pass to goal conversion rate (57%) and gain to goal conversion rate (50%) were below par. Alice Teague-Neeld continued her exceptional form of last season, with a game high 42 feeds and 21 centre passes, while Fran Williams was the best performed of Fever’s defenders, with three gains.
While RAC Arena is usually a fortress for Fever, it was Swifts’ first and third quarter blitzes that saw them take home the points in the biggest margin of the opening round.
Kadie-Ann Dehaney flies high against Grace Nweke. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
Is Dylan Nexhip’s appointment as specialist defensive coach a masterstroke? Many think so. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
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Players of the round
Usually an impact player, Hannah Petty was tasked with starting for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in their grand final rematch against the Melbourne Vixens and looked as strong as ever. Steady in the centre position, she brought her trademark mongrel energy finishing with three pick-ups and two gains, while also contributing on the attacking front with 13 goal assists from 16 feeds.
Lily Graham was a shining light for the Vixens, despite her relative inexperience. In her 22 minutes on court, Graham sunk 13/15 including 5 out of 7 supershots, at 86.7% accuracy, and didn’t seem fazed by her opponent Shamera Sterling-Humphry.
After missing the 2024 season due to a devastating leg injury, Sasha Glasgow made her Melbourne Mavericks debut on Saturday, scoring 7/9 (78%) and 2/7 supershots (29%). Glasgow received a standing ovation from the crowd and the bench when she slotted her first goal and supershot in the first quarter. Post-match, Glasgow commented on her performance saying, ‘it took me a little to get into it but I grew.’
In the preseason, Julie Fitzgerald talked a big game about Hope White. It’s safe to say that it wasn’t all bluster. The youngster, in her first outing at Super Netball level, brought new energy and excitement to the Giants front end. She was involved in everything, hunted down loose balls and provided accurate feeds. More importantly, she was tidy with the ball. In her first 30-minutes she only conceded one turnover.
One of the most exciting signings ahead of the 2025 season, Grace Nweke impressed in her first outing on the Super Netball court. While the whole Swifts side took a few minutes to warm into the game, they gradually began to show dominance and Nweke was a big part of that. After a few offensive contacts early on, Nweke settled into the match and was pulling in balls from near and far. Despite strong physical pressure from a raft of Fever defenders, Nweke finished with a round high 51 goals from 58. She also attempted a super shot, showing her willingness to shoot from range and take the load off Housby.
Sharni Lambden also showed why she’s going to be a great asset for the Swifts, with co-captain Maddy Turner saying post match that she’s unsure why it’s taken so long for the wing defence to get a contract. While she had just one intercept and two deflections, Lambden did a wealth of work adding pressure outside the circle, with her long arms inhibiting feeds going into the Fever shooters. Lambden’s story is a great one of persistence and a never-give-up attitude.
Lily Graham impressed for the Vixens. Image – Hannah Howard/OnTheBall Media
Hope White receives flowers after her debut for GIANTS.
Image – May Bailey | Clusterpix Sports Photography
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Coaches Corner
Tracey Neville on Sasha Glasgow’s debut for the Mavericks: ‘I think she shone the light on all the team…all the team were absolutely behind her…she’ll grow on that, there’s some confidence there and experience in that last quarter to support Uneeq in that circle and i think she really supported that end as well and I think her feeds into Shamona will only get better as the season goes on’.
Tracey Neville on the number of errors in the game: ‘If you actually look at our basic errors… we had 20 in the game and probably 10 of them were not setting the penalty, offside, and missed shots…actually if you look at how clinical we were in the game…we have to be on task and we have to respond’.
Liz Watson on her 150 game milestone at John Cain Arena: ‘It’s obviously all I have ever known… it was really nice to do the interview with Bianca after the game. She was there for my first game… it definitely does feel like home…I have definitely felt the love from the Melbourne community but also the incredible Lightning family who have been by my side this whole week… it’s been really special’.
Liz Watson on Lightning in 2025: ‘we want to be thriving in the back-end of the season and I think tonight was great to show that we can do that… I think someone like Kris (Kristiana Manua) has come in and given us the confidence that we didn’t even know we needed…there’s lots of belief in this group at the moment and I think we just have to ride that and go with it.’
Simone McKinnis on Lily Graham and debutante Maggie Caris: “I thought Lily was brilliant, she took the game on which is exciting for us and I’m really pleased for her. She backed herself on the shot, was strong on the take.
I thought Maggie did really well, it was her first time against Romelda so I thought she did a good job. She’s a smart kid, and will learn a lot from it. Defensively there were penalties that we have to be better at, we need to tidy up the arms but there were times that we were able to create something defensively. We just need to do more of it.”
Simone McKinnis on the team’s defensive play: “I think Kate Eddy has been playing really well, whether it’s wing defence or goal defence she transitioned across both positions well tonight. As a unit we didn’t have the impact that we would’ve liked to have seen, we weren’t on the same page and didn’t have that unit work that we would’ve liked but the options we have in there are great.
Tania Obst on the dominant second quarter: “We started to open up the defensive end, we were opening up some really good angles and lines. Lauren then really took over on the two point shot which we didn’t necessarily have last year. They’ve all been working hard at their long range shooting, and their ability to get the ball in the two point range and I think that came through today.”
Tania Obst on Tayla Williams celebrating 50 SSN Matches: “We’ve got the luxury of 10 strong players, so often how we start is dependent on the opposition or what we are trying to put on the court with everyone bringing a different skill set. When Tayla did enter the game she entered seamlessly, starting and wing defence then slotting into centre and finding the shooters really nicely. It’s been great to have another 50 gamer come through in my time, with the program we’ve really been developing those local players. Tayla now knows what her on court role is and has really high expectations of herself, but the thing I’m most pleased about is the off court leadership she’s been showing.”
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Ladder
Team / Pts / %
Swifts . 4 . 137%
Thunderbirds . 4 . 125%
Lightning . 4 . 117%
Firebirds . 4 . 109%
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Giants . 0 . 92%
Mavericks . 0 . 86%
Vixens . 0 . 80%
Fever . 0 . 73%
Verity Simmons made a return to RAC Arena, this time in red. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
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Next Week
(Round 2)
Sat Apr 12
5pm – FIREBIRDS v FEVER
7pm – SWIFTS v MAVERICKS
Sun Apr 13
2pm – LIGHTNING v THUNDERBIRDS
4pm – VIXENS v GIANTS
