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ABC News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Super Netball Round-Up: Sanmarie Visser's broken nose, a veteran coach steps down and is Gretel Bueta making a comeback?
As we edge towards the halfway point of the season there's one thing all Super Netball teams are struggling with: consistency. Even the undefeated NSW Swifts hadn't put in a full 60-minute performance until Sunday, when they managed to win their first opening quarter in a month against cross-town rivals the Giants. That laid the platform for them to clinch all four periods, 82-69, in what was a surprising high-scoring affair between top and bottom of the ladder. Sunshine Coast Lightning moved into second place with a 62-50 victory over the Melbourne Vixens. Simone McKinnis then shocked us all by announcing she'd step down as Vixens head coach at the end of this season. The game of the round was played between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and West Coast Fever, where each team's Jamaican target continued their race to 9,000 goals. Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard added 53 to her tally in the Fever's triumph, 67-61, and is now 12 goals away from the milestone. The Melbourne Mavericks are establishing a decent record in Hobart after beating the Queensland Firebirds, 71-64, in their second ever appearance on the Apple Isle. If you missed it, don't worry — we'll get you up to speed with our Super Netball Round-Up. In round five, McKinnis coached her 200th game in the national netball league. In round six, she quietly announced her decision to leave the role she's held for 13 seasons. Despite her contract being up at the end of the year and the team currently seventh with just two wins, by all reports this was Simone's decision that she came to on her own terms. The players were told in the days leading up to the game and shed tears as the news was made public. Captain Kate Moloney said it suddenly felt real and that the announcement should be enough motivation for the team to hold themselves accountable and turn their season around. As a coach, McKinnis delivered two premierships (2014 and 2020) and took the Vixens to four grand finals, including last year. The Vixens have a reputation for being a very clinical team with high standards and McKinnis has demanded excellence while caring deeply for her players. Netball Victoria will begin the recruiting process in the coming weeks. The interesting part is that McKinnis hasn't used the word retirement and says her love for coaching space is still strong. "It has been 13 years and it's just the time for me to move on," McKinnis said. "To be honest, I'm not one for announcements, I would have happily kept it in-house, but Netball Victoria wanted to get on with recruitment. "I don't know [where I'll end up next], it's not even something I've thought about … my job now is to find a way to make the rest of the season the best it can be, then I'll walk away and go on holiday and won't be driving up the freeway from Geelong to Melbourne every day. "We seem a bit flat and lifeless, maybe we just need to go to the pub." It was nice to see McKinnis's humorous side, indicating a weight had come off her shoulders. So, who will replace her? A Super Netball head coach needs to at least have their elite accreditation and to be working towards a high-performance accreditation. Several assistant coaches' names have been raised. Dylan Nexhip (Swifts) recently achieved elite, while Cathy Fellows (Thunderbirds) and Nicole Richardson (Mavericks) are believed to both have their high performance. It's hard to know who else could be in the running as the sport can be tight-lipped about these accreditations, but one thing we know about Netball Victoria is they like to recruit their own. Could one of the best goal attacks the game has seen be forging a comeback? In 2024, Gretel Bueta said she was focusing on her family. Now it seems she's had a change in mindset as tries to regain her fitness after giving birth to her third child, daughter Lacy. Netball fans were very excited when the former Diamonds star posted a video to her Instagram account practising her shooting alongside Australian head coach Stacey Marinkovich. It was quickly confirmed that this appearance was a clinic Bueta and Marinkovich were running for competition winners. False alarm, we thought. Until Marinkovich appeared on Fox Netball and added fuel to the fire. "Gretel is four months post baby and she's using netball as a tool to get fit, she's not retired so is just seeing where her body is at and you never know what could happen," Marinkovich said. "It is step by step, she's doing a good job working in the background, we'll see where it takes us." Bueta is not currently linked to any Super Netball or Queensland state team, but Firebirds goal attack Tippah Dwan ruled herself out of selection last week as she looks to rehab a knee injury. Bueta won two premierships with the team (2015 and 2016) and made headlines in 2021 when she returned to the top level four months after having her first child, son Bobby. She last played in 2022 before having her second child, Toby. In 2023 she worked as an assistant coach before taking a break from the game altogether. Last year, Bueta said she was keeping her distance because she'd been told she was a distraction. Diamonds contracts will be announced towards the end of the season, which will work in Bueta's favour. "We don't have to do it as early as what we have done before because there's no marquee event, so we'll push it back to allow players to showcase what they can do," Marinkovich said. If Bueta is fit and ready the national team would definitely want her in the environment as they build towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a 2027 home World Cup. Particularly with the form of Sophie Dwyer and Sophie Garbin a bit shaky. Adelaide Thunderbirds general manager of high performance Jace Bode has spilled the tea on the club's signing of South African import Sanmarie Visser. On Netball Unlocked, Bode spoke about the sleepless nights he had trying to find a replacement for pregnant goal keeper Shamera Sterling-Humphrey. Super Netball teams were finalised in August and the two-time defending premiers did not expect they'd be trying to claim a three-peat without their marquee player. Bode said his instinct was to protect Sterling-Humphrey, even if it meant telling a white lie to conceal the true reason Visser was spotted at the pre-season Team Girls Cup. "When Shamera told us in early February … given everything that had played out with Fowler-Nembhard's [miscarriage], it was a sensitive topic," Bode said. "It didn't give us a lot of options for replacements and we're not blessed with a lot of height in our South Australia pathways, so we looked internationally. "Romelda Aiken-George had a knee cleanout, there was an opportunity to bring Sanmarie in as her replacement and we didn't disclose that Shamera was pregnant, but we said it was likely there would be an opportunity. "We tried to be as up front as we could be and asked, 'Can you take that leap of faith? Knowing there might not be anything on the end of it?' "She took that risk." Bode also confirmed rumours that Visser had a face injury before joining the Thunderbirds. ABC Sport were originally told Visser had fractured a bone around her eye socket during her international debut at the Nations Cup. Bode said it was a broken nose. Visser was spotted wearing a face guard in April at training, the club has now revealed she had surgery prior to her arrival in South Australia. "Sanmarie came with a broken nose and we didn't see her in a competitive environment while Romelda was injured … It did enable us to fast-track her development though." Playing across goal keeper, goal defence and wing defence, the 21-year-old has a bright future and has offered plenty of versatility in her three Super Netball appearances.
News.com.au
17-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Super Netball, round 6 news, scores: Jok stars in Mavericks' win over Firebirds
In a Super Netball match that featured a good old fashioned shootout, the Melbourne Mavericks banked just their second win of the season, by seven points against the Queensland Firebirds. Both teams featured towering shooters and defenders working overtime to make a dent in their volumes. It was the Mavericks who had the best of the deal, with a pumped up Shimona Jok rock solid under the post with perfect stats of 61/61 in an MVP performance. Goal keeper Liv Lewis was also having her best game of the season showing incredible athleticism to force four blocked shots against opponent Mary Cholhok. Despite giving away a 17 centimetre height difference, Lewis' aerial display restricted passes into Cholhok and her confidence to go to the post. Her volume of just 33/44, despite a supportive cameo from Emily Moore, just wasn't enough to threaten Mavericks on the scoreboard. After watching from the sidelines last week with an ankle injury, Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter made a spectacular return to the game. Her physicality forced numerous errors by the Firebirds as she finished with two gains and four deflections. A heavy head collision between Firebird Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Maverick Sasha Glasgow in the third quarter saw them both leave the court. Both were forced to temporarily leave the court under the league's concussion protocols, with Bakewell-Doran visibly distressed on the sidelines. Earlier this week, Firebirds goal attack Tippah Dwan decided to step away from the game to continue rehabbing her knee. Dwan's departure presents a prime opportunity for Emily Moore to show why she deserves a full 60-minutes which, coach Kiri Wills said is something she would like to see from Moore. While she didn't quite hit those minutes today, her contribution of 17/22 is heading in the right direction. Samoan goal attack Abigail Latu-Meafou has been filling the vacant goal attack role for the Firebirds over the last two rounds. Latu-Meafou's connection with Cholhok is on point and her efforts at post also helped the Firebirds make a comeback attempt, however her nine from ten including four supershots were not enough. MISSING MAVS Today's match marks 20 outings for the Melbourne Mavericks. Yet since their inception 18 months ago, the team has not once taken the court with their full 10 contracted athletes. In 2024 Sasha Glasgow and Lauren Parkinson (nee Moore) missed the full season. So far in 2025 Parkinson is yet to make her Mavericks debut, and English international Eleanor Cardwell is unlikely to return to play until Round 12, as she rehabs from knee surgery. WILL THEY SWAP DWAN FOR A DIAMOND? Mere hours before the news dropped that Dwan was taking a break, former Firebird and Diamond's goal attack Gretel Bueta posted a netball training session to social media. The Liz Ellis Diamond winner hasn't played netball in well over two years, after having stepped away to expand her family with husband Nico. And while it could be a great coincidence and pure speculation that she is making a return to the game, the timing could be the saving grace for the Firebirds.
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Remi Kamo claims Queensland Firebirds investigation was mishandled
Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system. Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo's complaint about the culture at the Firebirds. In March, the investigation concluded, Photo shows A player hunches over with a hand across their mouth turning away from the camera Netball Australia has concluded its months-long investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, but the players' association is unhappy with the outcome. Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation. "It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive," Kamo said. "Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players. "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. Kamo plays for the Firebirds against the Mavericks. ( Getty Images: Albert Perez ) "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances. "I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint. "I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia's response to my complaint." Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport. The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam. Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend. Aussie Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam was also not re-contracted by the Firebirds. ( AAP: Matt Turner ) Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment. "In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren't contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you're not welcome here. "I already knew that I didn't want to return there before they didn't contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose. "I've spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn't because they wanted to get another contract." Loading Instagram content Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation's unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture. "We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars," it said. In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process. "ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia," the statement read. "Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players. "ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "While we respect Netball Australia's responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes." Kamo's repeated efforts to speak out But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league. The Firebirds would love to move on from the dramas of last year. ( Getty: Glenn Hunt ) "My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place. "Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that's how you improve. "Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice. "To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know." Another player comes forward with concerns Kamo Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they've retired. The Super Netball trophy on display on court before the grand final. ( Getty: Scott Barbour ) Watching Kamo's story unfold over the past eight months and the way she's been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity. This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken. Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation. Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA. Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club. Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo's. Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia. They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Robert Irwin spotted enjoying netball in Queensland as his role on US Dancing With The Stars is confirmed
Robert Irwin was all smiles on Saturday, when he was spotted enjoying some netball in Queensland. The wildlife warrior, 21, was fresh off a whirlwind trip to America, following confirmation that he will star in the upcoming season of US Dancing With The Stars. Robert showed no signs of jet lag, looking fresh faced as he stepped out to UniSC Arena on the Sunshine Coast to watch Sunshine Coast Lightning take on the Queensland Firebirds in round three of the Super Netball League. The I'm A me Out Of Here host donned his trademark Australia Zoo khakis for the occasion. He wasn't afraid to flaunt his toned legs in a pair of form-fitting shots that finished just above the knee. Robert finished his courtside look with a pair of black work boots. The affable presenter accessorised with a purple and yellow Sunshine Coast Lightning scarf. It appeared that Robert's support had done wonders for the team who came home winners against the Firebirds, 64-50. It was definitely the result Robert was looking for, too, as he was seen striding across the court, hands held triumphantly aloft. As he took centre court, Robert also beamed as he flashed a two-handed wave to what looked to be a packed house. While he may've been barracking for the Lightning, Robert also found time to share some love with the opposition. He was spotted sharing a joke with Firebirds player Macy Gardner, after the clash, as an official watched on. Robert's courtside appearance comes after it was revealed he will follow in sister Bindi's footsteps and compete on US Dancing With The Stars. The Aussie TV star was officially confirmed by Variety this week, to be the first celebrity contestant revealed for the upcoming season. Robert looked fresh-faced as he stepped out to UniSC Arena on the Sunshine Coast to watch Sunshine Coast Lightning take on the Queensland Firebirds in round three of the Super Netball League The affable presenter accessorised with a purple and yellow Sunshine Coast Lightning scarf. It appeared that Robert's support had done wonders for the team who came home winners against the Firebirds, 64-50 His appearance on the competitive dancing series will come a decade after his sister Bindi, 26, won the show in 2015 alongside her dancing partner Derek Hough. Robert will need to be in peak physical health to successfully compete on the challenging competition. In 2019, Bindi told The Project about the gruelling physical tasks the contestants face in order to perform well on the show. 'It's such a challenge. I don't think people reality how much work goes on behind the scenes, it's a huge commitment,' she said. Following the announcement, Bindi took to social media to share her excitement about her brother appearing on the show. 'Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom. I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved,' she began. 'Can't wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination. Here's to an extraordinary journey ahead.' It's certainly shaping up to be quite the red letter year for Robert, whose upcoming stint on US TV comes off the back of an internet-breaking performance. It was definitely the result Robert was looking for, too, as he was seen striding across the court, hands held triumphantly aloft Robert's courtside appearance comes after it was revealed he will follow in sister Bindi's footsteps and compete on US Dancing With The Stars, and after his recent internet-breaking Bonds ad campaign Earlier this month, fans of the Irwin family were left swooning after Robert debuted a sexy new photo spread promoting Aussie underwear brand Bonds Stateside And, of course, since he's an Irwin, it was only fitting that he posed with live animals in some of the photos - and according to the magazine, most of them were venomous. In one picture, Robert left little to the imagination as he wore a pair of white underwear, giving a smouldering look to the camera as a large snake was wrapped around his neck. In another snap, he cuddled with a large lizard, but this time, Robert was more covered up in a casual white tank top and dark teal undies.
The Advertiser
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Lightning crush Firebirds in Queensland netball derby
Sunshine Coast have celebrated the 100-game milestones of Cara Koenen and Mahalia Cassidy in grand style, posting a crushing 64-50 Super Netball win over rivals Queensland Firebirds.
