Vixens star takes a tumble

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The Advertiser
16 hours 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.


Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Perth Now
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.


SBS Australia
17 hours ago
- SBS Australia
Donnell Wallam is returning to Super Netball after signing with new team
Donnell Wallam is returning to Super Netball after the Diamonds goal shooter found a new home with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. The Noongar woman was cut from the Queensland Firebirds in 2024 despite being an Australian representative, and played in the New Zealand competition this year with the Northern Mystics. But Wallam has been lured home by Lightning, replacing Reilley Batcheldor, who signed with the Melbourne Mavericks. The Queensland club highlighted her accuracy and ability to sink super shots, which proved crucial in deciding this year's grand final between Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever. Still in the Diamonds mix after being named an 'invitee' for a training camp next month, Wallam shared her excitement to return to Australia after a year across the ditch. "I feel like I still have more to give and more to learn from the league," the 31-year-old said in a statement. "Lightning have a good mix of experience and youth and I'm looking forward to seeing how I fit into the team." Sunshine Coast coach Belinda Reynolds expected the 193cm goaler to prove a major asset for the club. "Donnell has had an outstanding season with the Mystics in New Zealand. She's an exciting player to watch, and her strength and accuracy are unmatched," she said. Meanwhile, the Firebirds have recruited star New Zealand goal-keeper Kelly Jackson (nee Jury) as they look to move off the bottom of the ladder. Part of the Silver Ferns' 2023 World Cup squad, 28-year-old Jackson joins the club after six seasons with Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse. With 72 Test caps, she's a three-time Kiwi player of the year and most recently won the Pulse's player of the season for 2025. Like New Zealand teammate Grace Nweke, who plays with the NSW Swifts, Jackson has been granted an exemption to play in the Australian league but still be available for Silver Ferns selection.