Vixens star takes a tumble
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The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Diamonds and Lightning star ends golden career
Two-time premiership-winning shooter and Diamonds star Steph Fretwell has called time on a glittering 11-year career. The 33-year-old has won just about everything, collecting World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Diamonds as well as two Suncorp Super Netball titles with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Fretwell is known for her iconic 'step-back shot', which she executed to perfection most recently against the Swifts to snatch the game. The Lightning captain said after thinking about her future options, she knew it was the right time to close this chapter of her life. "After a decade playing at the top level, I'm taking a step back from playing elite netball, feeling both content and beyond grateful for the opportunities netball has given me," Fretwell said. "I took the time to really think about my future and all the options in front of me, and I just knew in my heart the timing was right. "I'm ready to close this chapter as a player and step into new opportunities that will let me give back to the game in different ways, through mentoring, development and advocacy for the sport I love. "Netball has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while I'm sad it's come to an end, I'm feeling excited for what's ahead." Fretwell began her professional career at the NSW Swifts, where she made two appearances in the ANZ Premiership final. From there, she went from strength to strength, becoming the Sunshine Coast's first signing in 2016 before reaching three consecutive Super Netball finals. The premierships in 2017 and 2018 made the Lightning the most successful start-up sporting franchise in Australian history. She made her debut performance for the Diamonds in 2017 and went on to make 56 appearances for the national team. One of her most notable displays was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against Jamaica where she shot 29 goals and provided 14 assists, guiding the Diamonds to the grand final. Sunshine Coast coach Belinda Reynolds described her as a "fierce competitor" on the court. "Players like Steph don't come around very often," Reynolds said. "She's not only been a world-class athlete but an incredible leader and role model. "Her impact will be felt across the Sunshine Coast, the country and the global netball community for years to come." Two-time premiership-winning shooter and Diamonds star Steph Fretwell has called time on a glittering 11-year career. The 33-year-old has won just about everything, collecting World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Diamonds as well as two Suncorp Super Netball titles with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Fretwell is known for her iconic 'step-back shot', which she executed to perfection most recently against the Swifts to snatch the game. The Lightning captain said after thinking about her future options, she knew it was the right time to close this chapter of her life. "After a decade playing at the top level, I'm taking a step back from playing elite netball, feeling both content and beyond grateful for the opportunities netball has given me," Fretwell said. "I took the time to really think about my future and all the options in front of me, and I just knew in my heart the timing was right. "I'm ready to close this chapter as a player and step into new opportunities that will let me give back to the game in different ways, through mentoring, development and advocacy for the sport I love. "Netball has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while I'm sad it's come to an end, I'm feeling excited for what's ahead." Fretwell began her professional career at the NSW Swifts, where she made two appearances in the ANZ Premiership final. From there, she went from strength to strength, becoming the Sunshine Coast's first signing in 2016 before reaching three consecutive Super Netball finals. The premierships in 2017 and 2018 made the Lightning the most successful start-up sporting franchise in Australian history. She made her debut performance for the Diamonds in 2017 and went on to make 56 appearances for the national team. One of her most notable displays was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against Jamaica where she shot 29 goals and provided 14 assists, guiding the Diamonds to the grand final. Sunshine Coast coach Belinda Reynolds described her as a "fierce competitor" on the court. "Players like Steph don't come around very often," Reynolds said. "She's not only been a world-class athlete but an incredible leader and role model. "Her impact will be felt across the Sunshine Coast, the country and the global netball community for years to come." Two-time premiership-winning shooter and Diamonds star Steph Fretwell has called time on a glittering 11-year career. The 33-year-old has won just about everything, collecting World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Diamonds as well as two Suncorp Super Netball titles with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Fretwell is known for her iconic 'step-back shot', which she executed to perfection most recently against the Swifts to snatch the game. The Lightning captain said after thinking about her future options, she knew it was the right time to close this chapter of her life. "After a decade playing at the top level, I'm taking a step back from playing elite netball, feeling both content and beyond grateful for the opportunities netball has given me," Fretwell said. "I took the time to really think about my future and all the options in front of me, and I just knew in my heart the timing was right. "I'm ready to close this chapter as a player and step into new opportunities that will let me give back to the game in different ways, through mentoring, development and advocacy for the sport I love. "Netball has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while I'm sad it's come to an end, I'm feeling excited for what's ahead." Fretwell began her professional career at the NSW Swifts, where she made two appearances in the ANZ Premiership final. From there, she went from strength to strength, becoming the Sunshine Coast's first signing in 2016 before reaching three consecutive Super Netball finals. The premierships in 2017 and 2018 made the Lightning the most successful start-up sporting franchise in Australian history. She made her debut performance for the Diamonds in 2017 and went on to make 56 appearances for the national team. One of her most notable displays was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against Jamaica where she shot 29 goals and provided 14 assists, guiding the Diamonds to the grand final. Sunshine Coast coach Belinda Reynolds described her as a "fierce competitor" on the court. "Players like Steph don't come around very often," Reynolds said. "She's not only been a world-class athlete but an incredible leader and role model. "Her impact will be felt across the Sunshine Coast, the country and the global netball community for years to come."
Perth Now
18 hours ago
- Perth Now
Diamonds and Lightning star ends golden career
Two-time premiership-winning shooter and Diamonds star Steph Fretwell has called time on a glittering 11-year career. The 33-year-old has won just about everything, collecting World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Diamonds as well as two Suncorp Super Netball titles with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Fretwell is known for her iconic 'step-back shot', which she executed to perfection most recently against the Swifts to snatch the game. The Lightning captain said after thinking about her future options, she knew it was the right time to close this chapter of her life. "After a decade playing at the top level, I'm taking a step back from playing elite netball, feeling both content and beyond grateful for the opportunities netball has given me," Fretwell said. "I took the time to really think about my future and all the options in front of me, and I just knew in my heart the timing was right. "I'm ready to close this chapter as a player and step into new opportunities that will let me give back to the game in different ways, through mentoring, development and advocacy for the sport I love. "Netball has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while I'm sad it's come to an end, I'm feeling excited for what's ahead." Fretwell began her professional career at the NSW Swifts, where she made two appearances in the ANZ Premiership final. From there, she went from strength to strength, becoming the Sunshine Coast's first signing in 2016 before reaching three consecutive Super Netball finals. The premierships in 2017 and 2018 made the Lightning the most successful start-up sporting franchise in Australian history. She made her debut performance for the Diamonds in 2017 and went on to make 56 appearances for the national team. One of her most notable displays was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against Jamaica where she shot 29 goals and provided 14 assists, guiding the Diamonds to the grand final. Sunshine Coast coach Belinda Reynolds described her as a "fierce competitor" on the court. "Players like Steph don't come around very often," Reynolds said. "She's not only been a world-class athlete but an incredible leader and role model. "Her impact will be felt across the Sunshine Coast, the country and the global netball community for years to come."
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Swifts 'nerd' returns, more Kiwis sign in Super Netball
Self-confessed NSW Swifts nerd Tayla Fraser is back where she belongs after securing a deal with her childhood netball club. The Swifts announced the midcourter's signing on Thursday, bringing to an end Fraser's stay at the Melbourne Mavericks whom she joined at the end of 2023. Fraser played in three grand finals for NSW, winning in 2019 and 2021. "I grew up supporting the Swifts, and getting to wear the dress and win titles in it was the stuff of dreams," Fraser said. "When I left the Swifts at the end of 2023, I always felt like I would want to come back someday, and now feels right. "Many of the players I shared great days with are still there and with some really exciting new faces I cannot wait to see what 2026 brings. "Those who know me are also aware that I am a self-confessed Swifts nerd and passionate about the history and legacy of the Club." The Swifts also confirmed the re-signings of impact substitute Teigan O'Shannassy, after her defence spurred a breakout season for the 26-year-old, and Kiwi Grace Nweke. Midcourter Allie Smith, however, was not offered a new contract. Up north, the Queensland Firebirds poached another Silver Fern in Maddy Gordon after New Zealand changed their eligibility rules allowing Kiwi players to feature in Super Netball. She will join fellow Kiwi Kelly Jackson, who also signed with the Firebirds on Tuesday. The Adelaide Thunderbirds, meanwhile, have replaced star shooter Romelda Aiken-George with South African international Elmere van der Berg. The 24-year-old scored the most goals (567) in the UK's Super Netball League in 2025, making 92 per cent of her shots. The Thunderbirds also secured the services of Kiwi Commonwealth Games representative Kate Heffernan, who co-captained the Southern Steel in New Zealand's ANZ Premiership. In other big deals, West Coast hot-shot Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard re-signed with the Fever after netting the most goals (724) last season. Among the big-name players yet to finalise their futures are former New Zealand Ferns captain Gina Crampton, Diamond Steph Fretwell and 2020 grand final MVP Mwai Kumwenda as the transfer window continues. Self-confessed NSW Swifts nerd Tayla Fraser is back where she belongs after securing a deal with her childhood netball club. The Swifts announced the midcourter's signing on Thursday, bringing to an end Fraser's stay at the Melbourne Mavericks whom she joined at the end of 2023. Fraser played in three grand finals for NSW, winning in 2019 and 2021. "I grew up supporting the Swifts, and getting to wear the dress and win titles in it was the stuff of dreams," Fraser said. "When I left the Swifts at the end of 2023, I always felt like I would want to come back someday, and now feels right. "Many of the players I shared great days with are still there and with some really exciting new faces I cannot wait to see what 2026 brings. "Those who know me are also aware that I am a self-confessed Swifts nerd and passionate about the history and legacy of the Club." The Swifts also confirmed the re-signings of impact substitute Teigan O'Shannassy, after her defence spurred a breakout season for the 26-year-old, and Kiwi Grace Nweke. Midcourter Allie Smith, however, was not offered a new contract. Up north, the Queensland Firebirds poached another Silver Fern in Maddy Gordon after New Zealand changed their eligibility rules allowing Kiwi players to feature in Super Netball. She will join fellow Kiwi Kelly Jackson, who also signed with the Firebirds on Tuesday. The Adelaide Thunderbirds, meanwhile, have replaced star shooter Romelda Aiken-George with South African international Elmere van der Berg. The 24-year-old scored the most goals (567) in the UK's Super Netball League in 2025, making 92 per cent of her shots. The Thunderbirds also secured the services of Kiwi Commonwealth Games representative Kate Heffernan, who co-captained the Southern Steel in New Zealand's ANZ Premiership. In other big deals, West Coast hot-shot Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard re-signed with the Fever after netting the most goals (724) last season. Among the big-name players yet to finalise their futures are former New Zealand Ferns captain Gina Crampton, Diamond Steph Fretwell and 2020 grand final MVP Mwai Kumwenda as the transfer window continues. Self-confessed NSW Swifts nerd Tayla Fraser is back where she belongs after securing a deal with her childhood netball club. The Swifts announced the midcourter's signing on Thursday, bringing to an end Fraser's stay at the Melbourne Mavericks whom she joined at the end of 2023. Fraser played in three grand finals for NSW, winning in 2019 and 2021. "I grew up supporting the Swifts, and getting to wear the dress and win titles in it was the stuff of dreams," Fraser said. "When I left the Swifts at the end of 2023, I always felt like I would want to come back someday, and now feels right. "Many of the players I shared great days with are still there and with some really exciting new faces I cannot wait to see what 2026 brings. "Those who know me are also aware that I am a self-confessed Swifts nerd and passionate about the history and legacy of the Club." The Swifts also confirmed the re-signings of impact substitute Teigan O'Shannassy, after her defence spurred a breakout season for the 26-year-old, and Kiwi Grace Nweke. Midcourter Allie Smith, however, was not offered a new contract. Up north, the Queensland Firebirds poached another Silver Fern in Maddy Gordon after New Zealand changed their eligibility rules allowing Kiwi players to feature in Super Netball. She will join fellow Kiwi Kelly Jackson, who also signed with the Firebirds on Tuesday. The Adelaide Thunderbirds, meanwhile, have replaced star shooter Romelda Aiken-George with South African international Elmere van der Berg. The 24-year-old scored the most goals (567) in the UK's Super Netball League in 2025, making 92 per cent of her shots. The Thunderbirds also secured the services of Kiwi Commonwealth Games representative Kate Heffernan, who co-captained the Southern Steel in New Zealand's ANZ Premiership. In other big deals, West Coast hot-shot Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard re-signed with the Fever after netting the most goals (724) last season. Among the big-name players yet to finalise their futures are former New Zealand Ferns captain Gina Crampton, Diamond Steph Fretwell and 2020 grand final MVP Mwai Kumwenda as the transfer window continues.
