Record-setting Fever topple Giants to secure top spot
Unbeaten since round two, the Fever became the first team in competition history to claim 11 consecutive victories at RAC Arena on Sunday.
They have lost just twice all season and will head into the finals as hot premiership favourites with home-court advantage.
The achievement follows consecutive one-goal preliminary final heartbreaks for the Fever since their breakthrough title three years ago.
But goal defence Sunday Aryang noted the job wasn't finished yet, with a premiership there for the taking.
'I think we'll probably sit in it until after this game,' Aryang told Fox Sports when asked about the Fever's first minor premiership.
'Then we'll probably go back to focusing on the next game and just staying locked in for that as well.'
West Coast, who led 37-33 after a tight first half, put a match-winning gap on the Giants with a dominant 20-11 third term and won every quarter.
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The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Mavs joins Vixens on hunt for new Super Netball coach
Melbourne Mavericks are on the hunt for a new Super Netball coach after Tracey Neville's announcement she intends to return home to England. In their second season in the competition, the Mavericks finished second last on the ladder, with four wins, but are tipped to be bolstered by star Jamie-Lee Price. The star Diamonds midcourter has quit the Giants and is relocating to Melbourne to join her Collingwood AFL-playing partner Harry Perryman. With the 2025 champion Melbourne Vixens already re-signing their grand final squad, it's now likely Price will link with her former Giants teammate Amy Parmenter, who captains the Mavs. The newcomers have also lost defender Olivia Lewis has announced she will not be returning to the Mavericks, as she intends to pursue a career in Neville, who coached England to a Commonwealth Games gold medal, informed the club that she won't look to renew her contract for a third season in 2026. "It has been a whirlwind two years and I've really enjoyed establishing this program from then ground up and setting it up for the years ahead," Neville said in a statement. "I've done everything I can to establish the foundation at this club but after long discussions with the franchise, it became apparent it was the right time for me to move on." The Vixens are set to announce their new coach in the coming weeks after Simone McKinnis declared her intentions back in round six. They announced on Wednesday that they had locked in their entire 2026 squad, with captain Kate Moloney and star defenders Jo Weston and Kate Eddy, completing the roster. Defender Emily Mannix, who sat out the 2025 season following the birth of her daughter Mabel in January, returns in the only change to the team that claimed a thrilling one-goal grand final win. In other signing news, Thunderbirds goaler Lucy Austin is on the move after turning down a contract to remain in Adelaide for the 2026 season. Austin advised the club that after three seasons she'll be taking up an opportunity to play elsewhere in 2026, although where that is hasn't been made public. South African Sanmarie Visser is also departing the T-Birds after covering the pregnant Shamera Sterling Humphrey, who is returning to play. Melbourne Mavericks are on the hunt for a new Super Netball coach after Tracey Neville's announcement she intends to return home to England. In their second season in the competition, the Mavericks finished second last on the ladder, with four wins, but are tipped to be bolstered by star Jamie-Lee Price. The star Diamonds midcourter has quit the Giants and is relocating to Melbourne to join her Collingwood AFL-playing partner Harry Perryman. With the 2025 champion Melbourne Vixens already re-signing their grand final squad, it's now likely Price will link with her former Giants teammate Amy Parmenter, who captains the Mavs. The newcomers have also lost defender Olivia Lewis has announced she will not be returning to the Mavericks, as she intends to pursue a career in Neville, who coached England to a Commonwealth Games gold medal, informed the club that she won't look to renew her contract for a third season in 2026. "It has been a whirlwind two years and I've really enjoyed establishing this program from then ground up and setting it up for the years ahead," Neville said in a statement. "I've done everything I can to establish the foundation at this club but after long discussions with the franchise, it became apparent it was the right time for me to move on." The Vixens are set to announce their new coach in the coming weeks after Simone McKinnis declared her intentions back in round six. They announced on Wednesday that they had locked in their entire 2026 squad, with captain Kate Moloney and star defenders Jo Weston and Kate Eddy, completing the roster. Defender Emily Mannix, who sat out the 2025 season following the birth of her daughter Mabel in January, returns in the only change to the team that claimed a thrilling one-goal grand final win. In other signing news, Thunderbirds goaler Lucy Austin is on the move after turning down a contract to remain in Adelaide for the 2026 season. Austin advised the club that after three seasons she'll be taking up an opportunity to play elsewhere in 2026, although where that is hasn't been made public. South African Sanmarie Visser is also departing the T-Birds after covering the pregnant Shamera Sterling Humphrey, who is returning to play. Melbourne Mavericks are on the hunt for a new Super Netball coach after Tracey Neville's announcement she intends to return home to England. In their second season in the competition, the Mavericks finished second last on the ladder, with four wins, but are tipped to be bolstered by star Jamie-Lee Price. The star Diamonds midcourter has quit the Giants and is relocating to Melbourne to join her Collingwood AFL-playing partner Harry Perryman. With the 2025 champion Melbourne Vixens already re-signing their grand final squad, it's now likely Price will link with her former Giants teammate Amy Parmenter, who captains the Mavs. The newcomers have also lost defender Olivia Lewis has announced she will not be returning to the Mavericks, as she intends to pursue a career in Neville, who coached England to a Commonwealth Games gold medal, informed the club that she won't look to renew her contract for a third season in 2026. "It has been a whirlwind two years and I've really enjoyed establishing this program from then ground up and setting it up for the years ahead," Neville said in a statement. "I've done everything I can to establish the foundation at this club but after long discussions with the franchise, it became apparent it was the right time for me to move on." The Vixens are set to announce their new coach in the coming weeks after Simone McKinnis declared her intentions back in round six. They announced on Wednesday that they had locked in their entire 2026 squad, with captain Kate Moloney and star defenders Jo Weston and Kate Eddy, completing the roster. Defender Emily Mannix, who sat out the 2025 season following the birth of her daughter Mabel in January, returns in the only change to the team that claimed a thrilling one-goal grand final win. In other signing news, Thunderbirds goaler Lucy Austin is on the move after turning down a contract to remain in Adelaide for the 2026 season. Austin advised the club that after three seasons she'll be taking up an opportunity to play elsewhere in 2026, although where that is hasn't been made public. South African Sanmarie Visser is also departing the T-Birds after covering the pregnant Shamera Sterling Humphrey, who is returning to play.
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Perth Now
Mavs joins Vixens on hunt for new Super Netball coach
Melbourne Mavericks are on the hunt for a new Super Netball coach after Tracey Neville's announcement she intends to return home to England. In their second season in the competition, the Mavericks finished second last on the ladder, with four wins, but are tipped to be bolstered by star Jamie-Lee Price. The star Diamonds midcourter has quit the Giants and is relocating to Melbourne to join her Collingwood AFL-playing partner Harry Perryman. With the 2025 champion Melbourne Vixens already re-signing their grand final squad, it's now likely Price will link with her former Giants teammate Amy Parmenter, who captains the Mavs. The newcomers have also lost defender Olivia Lewis has announced she will not be returning to the Mavericks, as she intends to pursue a career in Neville, who coached England to a Commonwealth Games gold medal, informed the club that she won't look to renew her contract for a third season in 2026. "It has been a whirlwind two years and I've really enjoyed establishing this program from then ground up and setting it up for the years ahead," Neville said in a statement. "I've done everything I can to establish the foundation at this club but after long discussions with the franchise, it became apparent it was the right time for me to move on." The Vixens are set to announce their new coach in the coming weeks after Simone McKinnis declared her intentions back in round six. They announced on Wednesday that they had locked in their entire 2026 squad, with captain Kate Moloney and star defenders Jo Weston and Kate Eddy, completing the roster. Defender Emily Mannix, who sat out the 2025 season following the birth of her daughter Mabel in January, returns in the only change to the team that claimed a thrilling one-goal grand final win. In other signing news, Thunderbirds goaler Lucy Austin is on the move after turning down a contract to remain in Adelaide for the 2026 season. Austin advised the club that after three seasons she'll be taking up an opportunity to play elsewhere in 2026, although where that is hasn't been made public. South African Sanmarie Visser is also departing the T-Birds after covering the pregnant Shamera Sterling Humphrey, who is returning to play.
The Australian
21 hours ago
- The Australian
Vixens win Super Netball title with first Australian team
The three finals games from the Melbourne Vixens have to be seen to be believed. How did they do it? What that team has managed is quite the unfathomable fairy tale. The timing couldn't be more telling. With conversations getting fierce as recruiting season is underway, the floodgates have been opened to New Zealand players and the ongoing conversation around how many imports are too many continues. How are we going to continue to create future Diamonds if the key positions are filled by internationals? Enter Melbourne Vixens. Whether you view the grand final as an upset or inevitable triumph doesn't matter. One thing that the Simone McKinnis-led Melbourne side did, that is quite the aberration in Super Netball, is win the whole damn thing without one international player in their side. A squad brimming with Diamonds and emerging Australian talent, spanning ages 19 to 32. Every single one of their contracted 11 players was Australian. It is a stat that nobody would have predicted, me included, when assessing which team list was going to win the competition at the start of the season. While other teams have been investing in tall, athletic internationals - particularly those holding shooters and dynamic defenders who can dominate in the circle - the Vixens doubled down on the traditional Australian approach. What makes this even more interesting is that it challenges the assumption that internationals will clog the lists to win Super Netball and a fair portion of Australian talent will be left without a home. Some of the best players in the competition are from other countries, that is without question. Latanya Wilson, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Romelda Aiken- George have all been sensational for this competition, and I think we have all been envious of the teams that get to have these players on their lists. But perhaps the Vixens' winning formula may start to influence future recruitment strategies across the league. Does it prove that the Australian way is still the winning way? Or perhaps is it a combination of the Vixens having exceptional depth in Australian talent, a recruiting policy that dates back to 2008 that Victorians have to make up a majority of the team? Then add in the culture-creating formula of a team that has key personnel that have been together for a number of years, always hovering somewhere around that top 4. The irony is that this approach — which some critics worry might be diluted by too many imports — actually proved to be the most effective formula when it mattered most. The Vixens' grand final performance was a masterclass in why Australian netball has been so successful on the world stage for decades. I for one am not at all wanting to diminish the contribution of internationals who play our game. I say whoever fits in, let them come. I just think it's some food for thought that perhaps we shouldn't be so worried about the future of the competition. Perhaps the Australian talent will continue to rise to the occasion when it matters most. As we now enter the chaotic recruiting season, it is timely to assess where each team is at. Expect the signings to come through thick and fast this week. MELBOURNE MAVERICKS We now know that Eleanor Cardwell has left, as well as Liv Lewis. Jessie Grenvold for me will be a player that will be hot property for a lot of teams; perhaps with Lewis leaving, this is a spot they are hoping Grenvold will take up. Assuming Jaimee-Lee Price may end up signing here, they need a ready-made goal attack/shooter to play a key role with Shimona Jok. Unsure if Sascha Glasgow is the player - talk is she is ready for a change. QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS It would make sense that if New Zealand players had a destination, it would be with one of their own, under Kiri Wills in Queensland. With some spots up for grabs, a defender like Karin Burger or Kelly Jackson will fit right in, and I can't help but think with extra New Zealand talent in one team, perhaps that's where the rise of the NZ style of play will really take hold. SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING Another team that are packed with Aussie talent if you look at their 2025 list. Stoked to see Ash Ervin sign - an important talent to have on court. Courtney Bruce has another year on her contract, they need her fit for a season. Down the shooting end, I think we may see some changes. Steph Fretwell in their season ending round 14 match didn't seem convinced she would be in the mix, and the only shooter confirmed for 2026 so far is Cara Koenan. Could this be an opportunity for Reilly Bacheldor or will the Lightning be looking for something different? MELBOURNE VIXENS From all reports, they are locked and loaded for 2026. The biggest question mark is over who will be coaching this premiership-winning team. With plenty of speculation and a recruiting process that is still ongoing, we all wait to see who nails down this role. Can't help but think about the pressure coming in after Simone, now they have managed the ultimate glory. GIANTS Another team looking for a coach, and a few players to fill key roles. There have been plenty of rumours around a shooter for this side to replace Jo Harten. You would think they will be looking for a tall, more holding type to partner with Dwyer and Leatherbarrow. Perhaps this is where an international shooter could fill this void? Jamie-Lee Price leaving is a huge hole to fill, but with plenty of midcourt options around, will one of the Swifts midcourters move across to gain some consistent court time? WEST COAST FEVER After their incredible winning run this season, it's hard to fault their side. They would be pretty quick to sign Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard I would have thought, Sunday Aryang is a lock, and if fit, Ruth Aryang needs to come back in; the only question would be if Shanice Beckford is staying in the goal attack position. They could look to mix it up and see what else is out there - Olivia Wilkinson still on contract till 2026. Otherwise, you can only imagine what this side is capable of in 2026. ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS We will now see a new shooting line for this side with Romelda Aiken-George announcing her retirement and Lucy Austin leaving for other opportunities. Who will be the target under the post? I feel this will definitely be an international brought in - whispers are that one of the UK Super League shooters is on their way. Hannah Petty retiring will leave a gap for possibly Tyler Orr to return from the Super League. One thing Thunderbirds will be wrapped about – they have all 3 defenders signed, and Georgie Horjus is not going anywhere. NSW SWIFTS For me, the Swifts need to go all in on Teigan O'Shannassy. With Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner already signed for 2026, a fit O'Shannessy will add huge value. Interestingly, Grace Nweke isn't signed as yet – but you get the feeling this is just a timing thing. Her second season in SSN, plenty of learnings under her belt, next season could really be the launch pad for this Kiwi superstar. And in their midcourt, if Maddy Proud decides to return, where does that leave Allie Smith, Verity Simmonds and Sharni Lambden? You'd think Lambden would be signed shortly. The coach killers that sabotaged Super Netball's bottom four Bianca Chatfield Contributor Debuting for the Diamonds at just 18, Bianca established herself as one of the toughest defenders in netball, winning gold and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, a World Championship and six titles with Melbourne Phoenix/Vixens. Netball The Vixens have celebrated their Super Netball title in the best way possible - by locking away a trio of in-demand stars. See all the latest moves in our Super Netball trade special inside. Netball Liz Ellis ramped up the push for netball to become an Olympic sport within minutes of Melbourne Vixens' title win. Now, more than 15,000 fans have joined the push — and you can to.
