Latest news with #SuperNetball
The Australian
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Australian
Giants netball licence: Mounties Group deal could transform club
The likely sale of the Giants' Super Netball licence has been described as an opportunity to 'super charge' the club. Discussions are continuing behind the scenes between current owners of the licence, Netball NSW and the Mounties Group about a change of hands, with the possibility that the deal could be done in time for the 2026 season. Netball NSW last week confirmed it was 'exploring the proposal' of an external party about the club's Super Netball licence after an unsolicited approach, with the powerful Mounties Group later confirmed to be the body interested in taking over the club. A preliminary case has already been presented at Netball Australia board level, with the national body needing to approve any licence transfer but there remain significant details to iron out before any deal goes ahead. Sources confirmed to Code Sports that there was no timeline on the deal, with the possibility that it could linger into next season if that was the time needed to iron out the finer details in an agreement that could transform the Giants into a Super Netball powerhouse. That's likely to work for both sides given any change is due to a genuine desire from Mounties to continue its investment in women's sport rather than any fire sale of the licence. Code Sports has confirmed the Giants are not in any danger of falling over should the deal not proceed, with the club not under any financial pressure, or looking to be offloaded by Netball NSW. The state body holds the licence for both the New South Wales Super Netball sides – the long-established Swifts and the Giants, who were formed ahead of the launch of the elite competition in 2017. And moves to transfer the Giants licence have only come about because of the unexpected Mounties approach, with rumours of the demise of the club wide of the mark. The body's annual report showed it made a small profit last year and while running a Super Netball club is no small undertaking, operating both the Swifts and Giants is something that Netball NSW is managing well financially. In short, this is no Collingwood Magpies situation. Player reviews and contracting for the 2026 season are ongoing and it's business as usual for all organisational operations. Any change to the licence would need Netball Australia board approval but the Mounties approach is being seriously considered and Code Sports understands there is broad alignment on key terms. The approach is being seen though as an opportunity for both the Giants and women's sport in the southwest Sydney region. 'Sport is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve lives and build communities,' Mounties Group CEO Dale Hunt said of the organisation with more than 280,000 members. 'We believe women's sport represents the next frontier for growth in Australia. 'Whether it's netball or rugby, or anything in between, we are committed to investing in women's sport with a long-term view. 'This is about more than sport. It's about community, representation, and building stronger futures.' Mounties launched NSW Premier League club South West Mounties Magic in 2023 in a partnership between the group's health and wellbeing offering, Mounties Care and Liverpool City Netball Association, giving a pathway for players from U6 to state league in the southwest Sydney area. And Mounties' ownership of the Giants would provide a seamless pathway to Super Netball level, as well as a growing supporter base, the thing the club has struggled for most in its first nine years in the competition. While the GWS Giants are not owners, it's understood the AFL club is keen to remain involved with the Super Netball side after forming a strategic partnership with Netball NSW ahead of the foundation season in 2017. The Giants lent their name, colours and logo to the new entity in a bid to help gain traction in a market in which Sydney rivals the Swifts already had significant roots and while the Mounties also have a strong brand, already holding a Netball NSW Premier League licence, with the South West Mounties Magic winning the premiership in 2024 in their inaugural season. Mounties Group also has a partnership with the Canberra Raiders to support and grow women's rugby league pathways, with alignment between the Raiders' NRLW program and the Mounties' NSW Women's Premiership League team. Netball Super Netball's eliminated teams must confront harsh truths about their failed campaigns. But there is a road back to the top. We assess what's next for the six teams to miss the grand final. Netball From big-name recruits and runaway premiership favourites at the start of the year to a crushing prelim-final defeat, things turned very ugly for the Swifts. So how did it all fall apart?
The Australian
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Super Netball: Jamie-Lee Price Giants release confirmed, trade to Melbourne to be with AFL player partner
Super Netball clubs are racing to lock up their stars, with club captains, seasoned internationals and rising stars among more than half the players in the league officially off contract and able to negotiate with any team in less than a fortnight. While the competition remains a year away from the signing silly season - a period in which every player in the competition is off-contract at the same time, there are several big stars whose signatures their clubs are racing to secure ahead of free agency, which starts on August 4. Teams are able to contract their own players at any stage, as the Mavericks did with defender Kim Brown and captain Amy Parmenter, before the end of the season, and remain eligible to lock them in at any stage ahead of free agency, which begins on the Monday following the grand final. READ MORE: The coachkillers that sabotaged Super Netball's bottom four Again, it was the Mavs - who initially had none of their full-time list of 10 re-signed for 2026 - who made a signing announcement last week, confirming key goaler Shimona Jok was locked in for next season. With players unable to be signed past the end of the current Collective Player Agreement and broadcast cycle, at the end of the 2026 season, only 12-month deals can currently be done. But with more than half the club's players off contract and five of the eight clubs now officially finished their playing duties, expect a flurry of announcements in the coming days. Code Netball has highlighted five of the biggest names off contract. AN OG GIANT WANTS OUT – Emma Greenwood, Rebecca Williams Diamonds midcourt star Jamie-Lee Price is on the move to Melbourne after officially parting ways with the Giants. It was confirmed on Thursday Price had informed the Giants of her decision to withdraw from the final year of her contract. The Giants said the club and Price had agreed to a 'mutual and respectful' release from the final year of her deal ahead of the 2026 season. The Giants said the 29-year-old intended to relocate to Melbourne to be with her partner, Collingwood AFL player Harry Perryman. There has been speculation linking Price to the Mavericks, which would make sense given the midcourt talent available and likely to be re-signed to the Vixens. Price would add obvious star power to the Mavericks midcourt, which has already re-signed captain Amy Parmenter and centre Molly Jovic. Giants executive general manager Tim Underwood said the club respected Price's decision. 'Jamie-Lee has played a significant role in the growth and success of the Giants since inception and we thank her for her contributions over the past nine seasons,' Underwood said. 'While we're naturally disappointed to see her go, we understand and respect her decision to prioritise her personal life and wish her the best in this next chapter.' Price had made no secret of the fact she saw her long-term future in Melbourne, speaking earlier this year of the potential for a move south. 'I guess for me, it's just a matter of when I go to Melbourne,' she said on Netball Australia's 'Uncovered'. 'I think I'm going to be there eventually. 'I don't like the long-distance (relationship) - obviously I'm able to live by myself and we are very independent in so many ways but it's always nice to have that person that you have lived with to be able to go home to. 'I think knowing that you only get so much time to play professionally, it is so small in your life or your career. 'We acknowledged that it's going to be forever - we need to enjoy it while we can.' The news of Price's exit comes amid uncertainty over the club's future ownership and the departure of foundation coach Julie Fitzgerald and veteran goaler Jo Harten. The Giants earlier announced young midcourter Hope White had signed a one-year contract extension after an impressive debut season. Elevated to the full-time list after Gina Crampton announced her pregnancy, White showed enormous potential in her rookie year and has been working closely with the former Silver Ferns star. The Giants now have goaler Sophie Dwyer, defender Jodi-Ann Ward and White contracted for next season. CONFIRMED MOVES July 8: Giants Jo Harten confirms retirement. July 22: Mavericks re-sign Molly Jovic. July 23: Giants midcourter Hope White re-signs for one year. July 24: Giants confirm Jamie-Lee Price released from final year of her deal to move to Melbourne. July 24: Thunderbirds captain Hannah Petty announced her retirement. CLUB BY CLUB GUIDE West Coast Fever Coach: Dan Ryan (2026) Regular-season finish 2025: Minor premiers Squad: Jess Anstiss (2026), Alice Teague-Neeld (2026), Sunday Aryang (2026), Fran Williams (2025), Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (2025), Kadie-Ann Dehaney (2025), Shanice Beckford (2025), Jordan Cransberg (2026), Olivia Wilkinson (2026), Ruth Aryang (2025), Zoe Cransberg (temporary replacement player, 2025), Mwai Kumwenda (temporary replacement player 2025) Comment: While they have several experienced hands, the Fever have also invested heavily in youth with the efforts of the Cransberg twins this season stellar. If Ruth Aryang is unable to recover from an achilles injury in time for the 2026 season, Zoe Cransberg could be in line for an extension. BIG NAME Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard The GOAT only signed a two-year contract when the last major signing period opened, taking her through to the end of the 2025 season. And it's unknown at this stage whether she will play on in 2026. After missing the opening two games of the season, Fowler-Nembhard's importance to the Fever has never been more stark. They won the next 12 games in a row when after she returned and her impact on the side and standing as the best holding shooter in the world is unchallenged. Has said on a number of occasions this year after returning she feels blessed to be playing the game she loves but whether she wants to step back or extend a career that is already one of the best in history, is unknown. NSW Swifts Coach: Briony Akle (2026) Regular-season finish 2025: Second Squad: Sarah Klau (2026), Sophie Fawns (2025), Maddy Turner (2026), Paige Hadley (2026), Helen Housby (2026), Teigan O'Shannassy (2025), Allie Smith (2025), Sharni Lambden (2025), Grace Nweke (2025), Verity Simmons (2025 - permanent replacement player), Maddy Proud (2026)* Comment: The Swifts' midcourt struggled in the back half of the season and whether contracted midcourter and co-captain Maddy Proud returns from maternity leave next season will have a big bearing on contracting. BIG NAME Grace Nweke Signed only a one year deal with the Swifts given Netball New Zealand's ruling that any of its athletes not playing in its domestic league remain ineligible for national selection. Nweke sacrificed the Silver Ferns dress that remains so sacred to her to improve her game playing Super Netball but a return was unlikely in a Commonwealth Games year. That was until Monday's news from across the ditch that Netball New Zealand had reviewed its policy and will consider individual requests on a case-by-case basis. Her sacrifices this year may not only extend her own stay but open the floodgates for others. Adelaide Thunderbirds Coach: Tania Obst (2027) Regular-season finish 2025: Third Squad: Georgie Horjus (2026), Tayla Williams (2026), Lauren Frew (2025), Latanya Wilson (2026), Lucy Austin (2025), Matilda Garrett (2026), Hannah Petty (2025), Romelda Aiken George (2025), Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (2026)*, Kayla Graham (2025) Outs: Hannah Petty (retirement) Comment: Romelda Aiken-George's next steps are likely to determine what happens to Lucy Austin, while the club is yet to confirm whether contracted defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey plans to return from maternity leave after the birth of her first child. BIG NAME Romelda Aiken-George There's plenty of speculation Aiken-George is about to announce her retirement after incredible 18-season long stint in the ANZ Championship and Super Netball. It seemed the goaler's stellar career could be over when she was cut by the Queensland Firebirds at the end of the 2022 season as she was set to return from maternity leave. But she reinvented herself, first at the NSW Swifts, then with the Thunderbirds and has played in the last two grand finals, earning MVP honours in the 2024 decider with the T-Birds before her incredible run came to a halt in the minor semi-final on Sunday. Melbourne Vixens Coach: Simone McKinnis (Resigned) Regular-season finish 2025: Fourth Squad: Jo Weston (2025), Kate Moloney (2025), Kate Eddy (2025), Hannah Mundy (2025), Kiera Austin (2026), Sophie Garbin (2025), Rudi Ellis (2025), Zara Walters (2025), Lily Graham (2025), Emily Mannix (2026)*, Maggie Caris (temporary replacement player 2025) Outs: Simone McKinnis Comment: The Vixens will have fresh leadership with a new head coach next season, but only had two players locked in for 2026 entering this year's campaign. Hard to see too many changes to one of the most stable teams in the competition. Key defender Emily Mannix's plans after a season off following the birth of her first child will be one of the major points of interest. BIG NAME Kate Moloney It seems laughable even putting the Vixens captain on this list, yet she's off contract and hasn't yet been secured for 2026. The thought of Maloney playing for any other club though is almost unimaginable. She'll be back at the Vixens next season and spurring them on to great heights in a new era after the resignation of coach Simone McKinnis - the only coach under whom she and most of the Vixens have ever played. Sunshine Coast Lightning Coach: Belinda Reynolds (2026) Regular-season finish 2025: Fifth Squad: Liz Watson (2026), Leesa Mi Mi (2025), Mahalia Cassidy (2025), Cara Koenen (2026), Steph Fretwell (2025), Courtney Bruce (2026), Reilley Batcheldor (2025), Tara Hinchliffe (2025), Ash Ervin (2025), Ava Black (2025 -long-term injury list), Kristiana Manu'a (2025 - temporary replacement player) Comment: Veteran defender Courtney Bruce is locked in for next season, but the Lightning will want to shore up the rest of their powerful defensive unit with Tara Hinchliffe coming off a career-best season and Ash Ervin a Diamond-in-waiting. Midcourt speedster Leesa Mi Mi will also be a top priority. BIG NAME Steph Fretwell The former Diamonds vice-captain has yo-yoed this season, showing glimpses of her absolute scheming best while at times looking slightly off the mark. Bitterly disappointed at the Lightning's failure to make the finals, Fretwell has also spoken of her desire to play on, although she knows it might need to be in an altered role given the rise of the Lightning's young star Reilley Batcheldor. Her leadership skills and playmaking nous though remain invaluable and it would surprise if she does not get a new deal. Giants Coach: Julie Fitzgerald (Resigned) Regular-season finish 2025: Sixth Squad: Jamie-Lee Price (2026), Sophie Dwyer (2026), Jo Harten (2025), Matisse Letherbarrow (2025), Amy Sligar (2025), Maddie Hay (2025), Tilly McDonell (2025), Jodi-Ann Ward (2026), Erin O'Brien (2026), Hope White (2025), Casey Kopua (2026 - temporary replacement player) Ins: Hope White (re-signed til 2026) Outs: Julie Fitzgerald, Jo Harten (retired), Jamie-Lee Price (mutual release) Comment: The retirement of Jo Harten, stepping down of veteran coach Julie Fitzgerald and now the compassionate release of midcourter Jamie-Lee Price to Melbourne is set to lead to a real revamp of the playing roster, although the Giants have some great young talent they'll be keen to keep hold of. BIG NAME Amy Sligar The Giants should be out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt in a bid to lock down defensive midcourter Sligar, whose potential has long been known but showed this season just what a talent she is going to be, earning a position as a Diamonds training invitee last week when the squad was announced by coach Stacy Marinkovich. An asset to any club - get her signature on the page now. Mavericks Coach: Tracey Neville (2025) Regular-season finish 2025: Seventh Squad: Eleanor Cardwell (2025), Sasha Glasgow (2025), Maisie Nankivell (2025), Shimona Jok (2025), Kim Brown (2025), Liv Lewis (2025), Molly Jovic (2025), Amy Parmenter (2025), Lauren Parkinson (2025), Tayla Fraser (2025) Ins: Kim Brown (2026), Amy Parmenter (2026), Shimona Jok (2026), Molly Jovic (2026) Comment: Had no players contracted at the start of the year and only two - Brown and Parmenter by the end of the season. Announced Jok's re-signing last week and Jovic's retention this week. Mavs loom as a likely destination for Giant Jamie-Lee Price, who has secured a release to move to Melbourne and potentially reunite with former teammate Parmenter. BIG NAME Eleanor Cardwell Cardwell did not play a game for Mavericks this season and after missing the end of the Mavericks inaugural year in 2024 has played just 11 games for the club over two years after switching from the Adelaide Thunderbirds. The England Roses representative has made no secret of the fact she struggles at times with homesickness and it's debatable how long she sees her time in Australia. Her decision could hinge as much on whether the Mavs resign coach Tracy Neville as anything else but our feeling is she's likely to stay on to make her mark as a Mavs foundation player. Firebirds Coach: Kiri Wills (2027) Regular-season finish 2025: Eighth Squad: Ruby Bakewell-Doran (2026), Macy Gardner (2026), Hulita Veve (2025), Tippah Dwan (2025), Lara Dunkley (2025), Isabelle Shearer (2025), Emily Moore (2025), Ashlee Barnett (2025), Imogen Allison (2026), Mary Cholhok (2026) Comment: Just four players locked in for next season for the wooden spooners - significant change likely and needed if they are to become genuine challengers. BIG NAME Hulita Veve The Firebirds co-captain is one of the best and yet, most hard luck stories in Super Netball. A premiership winner with the club in 2016 as a rising star, Veve became a young mother before returning to the sport and lingering on the training partner list for years before finally being handed a full-time contract last season and grabbing her opportunity with both hands. Turning 30 in September, Firebirds officials would have been carefully considering her role in a midcourt that has two of its four members already contracted for next season but needs an injection of some sort after failing to fire this year. But an ACL injury at training late in the season may mean her chances of returning are extremely tough. Netball Super Netball's eliminated teams must confront harsh truths about their failed campaigns. But there is a road back to the top. We assess what's next for the six teams to miss the grand final. Netball From big-name recruits and runaway premiership favourites at the start of the year to a crushing prelim-final defeat, things turned very ugly for the Swifts. So how did it all fall apart?
The Australian
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Super Netball finals, West Coast Fever, Melbourne Vixens, New South Wales Swifts, Adelaide Thunderbirds
Two Super Netball finals down and just three teams remain in the title fight. Minor premiers West Coast Fever ramped up their title push, last year's runners-up Melbourne Vixens kept their fight for redemption alive, while the Adelaide Thunderbirds' three-peat dream is now over. Here are some of the talking points from the Super Netball semi-finals. FEVER PITCH Right now, it's the West Coast Fever's crown to lose. After sealing the minor premiership, the Fever produced a crushing semi-final performance against the New South Wales Swifts that not only underlined their title credentials, but put them in bright green neon lights. The Fever booked a ticket straight to the Super Netball grand final with a 32-point win in Perth against an opponent once heavily favoured to win this year's premiership. West Coast set up the win with one of the most dominant halves of netball seen all season, leaving the Swifts shell-shocked in a 26-9 charge. With winners across the court, the Fever's ball movement was slick and their transition play left the Swifts in their wake. So much focus is placed on the impact of star Jamaican goaler Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, who again dominated with another near flawless shooting performance, with the Fever not losing a match since she returned in round three. But the green machine's charge is being powered by some other stunning performances. Wing attack Alice Teague-Neeld continues to take her game to new heights as a Diamonds' debut beckons, while goal defence Sunday Aryang is in eye-catching form at the other end. The Fever boast impressive depth with Zoe Cransberg, Fran Williams and Olivia Wilkinson all impacting the game when they're injected onto the court. After finishing the season with back-to-back games at home, the Fever will have to triumph on the road when the grand final is held at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena in two weeks' time. But that hasn't bothered the Fever this season, winning both their matches in Melbourne against the Vixens (round three) and the Mavericks (round 10) this year. WHERE TO FOR THE SWIFTS? The Swifts get a second chance to keep their title fight alive in a preliminary final at home against the Melbourne Vixens this week, but they are going to need to quickly hit the reset button if they are to rebound from a bruising semi-final loss. After the big off-season signing of Silver Ferns star Grace Nweke and a blistering start to the season, the Swifts had quickly emerged as the hot favourites for the 2025 Super Netball premiership. The Swifts looked unbeatable as they won their opening eight matches of the season before eventually dropping their first game – against the Fever – in round nine. But the Swifts looked a mile off that early-season form as they were comprehensively beaten by the Fever across the court. The absence of key personnel didn't help the Swifts, missing captain Paige Hadley with a lower leg injury, while defender Teigan O'Shannassy has been sidelined with a back issue. Coach Briony Akle confirmed post-match Hadley would be back for the preliminary final, but there are other concerns for the Swifts, who have won only two of their last seven matches. It was a game to forget for Nweke, who gave away three early offensive penalties and was benched in the second quarter 'There is no doubt that she is going to go home and have a sleepless night tonight,' Stacey Francis-Bayman said on Pivot post-match. 'We did see her fully picked apart not just by her fully picked apart, not just by a Kadie-Ann Dehaney, who was fantastic against a tall shooter, but at times Fran Williams was out there as well. 'I think there was a mental battle that she lost today and not only did she lose it with her opponent, but I think she just lost it with herself. It didn't matter who she was coming up against. 'To give away nine errors individually is really uncharacteristic. The shooting was fine, but I just think there is a bit of work to do when under the pressure in a pressured environment … we didn't see her at her best.' The penalty count across the board for the Swifts was costly with 76 for the match, including 24 for goal keeper Sarah Klau. The Swifts will need to rein that in against the Vixens, who they have a 1-1 record against this season. KIPPA KEY How far the Vixens progress in this year's Super Netball finals series, one player in particular is certain to be pivotal. Cool-as-you-like goal attack Kiera Austin proved to be the difference-maker in the Vixens' semi-final and hoodoo-breaking win over the Thunderbirds in a match-winning performance that lifted the whole team. The Diamonds' goaler is a barometer for the Melbourne side, not just in attack, but for the entire group. More often than not, when she fires – the team gets up. And so it was against the Thunderbirds, who the Vixens had not beaten in five games, when she was 'on' from the opening whistle. An uber-calm Austin finished as the top-ranked player on the court by a country mile, nailing all five of her super shots to keep the Vixens' title-chase alive for another week. She also had 20 goal assists and 26 feeds in the win, ensuring her damaging combination with fellow Diamonds' goaler Sophie Garbin was on song. It's a rare day when an opponent has star Thunderbirds defender Latanya Wilson's measure, but it is fair to say Austin took the honours over the Jamaican ace. Austin can make the game look easy when she's firing and the composure -and confidence to go to the post for the long shot – that she showed against the Thunderbirds is going to be crucial for the Vixens if they are to progress to a second straight grand final. The Vixens have extra motivation for their finals run, not only to get the chance to go one better than last season, but to send outgoing coach Simone McKinnis out on a high. DIAMONDS OUTSIDER Melbourne Vixens defender Kate Eddy can consider herself unlucky not to have earned a place in Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich's Diamonds' squad. Described as a workhorse of the Vixens' defence, the underestimated wing defender again showed her importance to the Melbourne line-up in the semi-final against the Thunderbirds. Matching up on Thunderbirds playmaker Georgie Horjus at the start of the match, Eddy set the tone for the Vixens' defence early with two big intercepts in the opening quarter. Eddy took the honours against the dangerous Horjus before the pocket rocket was moved into goal attack late in the second quarter. Such was her impact against Horjus, Eddy followed her into the goal circle when she was moved into goal defence early in the second half. Eddy finished the match with three intercepts and three gains and it was only Horjus' super shots against her which blotted her stats sheet. At 28, Eddy is yet to get a Diamonds' call-up, but wouldn't be out of place in the squad with her height and long reach an asset outside of the circle. THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO. … NE The three-peat dream is over for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and now attention will turn to the future of one of the game's all-time goaling greats. Out of contract at the end of this season, will Romelda Aiken-George play on again in 2026? Turning 37 in November, Aiken-George has been a rock under the post for the T-Birds since being offered a career lifeline by the Adelaide team for season 2024. She helped steer the team to a second straight premiership last season and continues to be among Super Netball's most dominant shooters, sitting fourth in scoring at the end of the regular season. Aiken-George finished as the Thunderbirds' top-ranked player in their semi-final loss with 37 goals from 42 attempts when she took to the court again, as she has done throughout the season, with heavy strapping on her right knee. The Thunderbirds have 23-year-old goal shooter Lucy Austin, who has been starved of on-court opportunities this season, waiting in the wings and whatever happens with the tall Jamaican could also impact the emerging South Australian's next move. The Thunderbirds are already investing heavily in their future with midcourt young guns Sophie Casey and Kayla Graham backed in during the final quarter against the Vixens when the match was on the line. Netball Super Netball's eliminated teams must confront harsh truths about their failed campaigns. But there is a road back to the top. We assess what's next for the six teams to miss the grand final. Netball From big-name recruits and runaway premiership favourites at the start of the year to a crushing prelim-final defeat, things turned very ugly for the Swifts. So how did it all fall apart?
The Australian
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Super Netball: Vixens' fourth-quarter miracle seals grand final spot
Melbourne Vixens are one win from sealing a fairytale finish to the career of coach Simone McKinnis after a 66-65 preliminary final win against the Swifts. The Swifts led 31-29 at halftime, before dominating the third quarter to open a 51-41 advantage. But the Vixens stormed back, outpointing their rivals 25-14 in the last to clinch victory and a spot in the grand final against West Coast Fever. Earlier this year, McKinnis announced this would be her final year in charge of the Super Netball team. - Jenny Sinclair Melbourne Vixens are riding high after a last ditch effort to beat the NSW Swifts by 66 to 65 points, to book their place in the 2025 Super Netball grand final. They came from behind in the dying seconds of the game, and will go into next week's match full of confidence having won eight of their last ten games. The Vixens are off to the grand final after an incredible fourth-quarter fightback. Picture: Getty Images Standing in their way however, will be the formidable West Coast Fever, who demolished the Swifts by 32 points in last weekend's major semi-final. 'I'm exhausted but I'm so bloody proud,' said Vixens captain Kate Moloney. 'We were down by ten goals and we found something in that last quarter and they just never stopped fighting.' Coaching her second last match with the Vixens, Simone McKinnis said her side took their shot at victory. 'We weren't going to walk away from here afraid to take risks,' she said. 'They saw a glimpse and a hope and away they went.' Melbourne Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis. Picture: Getty Images It was a dismal end to the season for Swifts, despite the return of inspirational captain Paige Hadley who has missed the last two rounds with a foot injury. While she provided a calm head and safe pair of hands, the Swifts have been bundled out of the finals in straight sets, after looking untouchable as they went undefeated through the first eight rounds. There was immense pressure from the opening whistle, causing fumbles, stray passes and uncharacteristic missed shots. The Swifts were first to take advantage of those errors, going long and high to Grace Nweke in the circle. Despite her athleticism, some balls were sprayed over her head or swatted away by goal keeper Rudi Ellis who finished with six gains, allowing the Vixens to shift gears and take a three point lead into the first break. Helen Housby celebrates a goal for the Swifts. Picture: Getty Images The Swifts hit the front in the second quarter as their confidence grew, with Helen Housby raising the bar after a quiet few weeks. Passes started going in more smoothly to the circle, with Nweke lifting her shooting from a subpar 77 percent in the first quarter to a total of 53/58 at 91 percent across the match. With the Swifts' Sharni Lambden applying enormous pressure at wing defence, Vixens' skipper Moloney did everything she could to pull her side over the line. She had a strong connection with Sophie Garbin under the post, who picked up the slack while the hero of so many victories, Kiera Austin, struggled for influence early on. The Vixens seemed down and out of the contest with the deficit sitting at 11 points and their penalties twice their opponents, until Lily Graham sank consecutive supershots to bring the margin back to single digits. Grace Nweke in action for the Swifts. Picture: Getty Images In an inspirational last quarter Austin finally switched on her radar when it counted, firing in three long range shots to finish with 12/16 including four from five supershots, while her partner Garbin had a solid 46/47. The Vixens found another gear and rolled over the Swifts in highly emotional scenes. MCKINNIS MAGIC Simone McKinnis will make her final appearance as Vixens' coach in next weekend's grand final, after 212 games in charge of the club. Across 13 years, she's taken them to two titles, three minor premierships and a further three grand final appearances, and will leave massive shoes to fill. PAIN FOLLOWS A POINT Remarkably, the previous three Super Netball preliminary finals have been decided by a solitary point, with the Vixens taking out two of those wins, and the Swifts the other. Despite moving on into the grand final, neither side was then able to steal the ultimate victory.
The Australian
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Vixens earn ultimate revenge, end Thunderbirds' Super Netball three-peat hopes
Melbourne Vixens enacted the ultimate revenge on the Adelaide Thunderbirds for last year's Super Netball Grand Final defeat, with a 58 to 56 win that quashes the Thunderbirds chance of a historic threepeat. With the teams barely separated for 60 minutes, it was a super shot shoot out between Georgie Horjus and Kiera Austin that decided the game, with superior composure from MVP Austin in the clutch moments that gave her side the win. Austin spoke about the feeling she had heading into the game, as well as the shot that sealed the deal. 'It was the most relaxed I have felt in a while, I wanted to be in the moment,' she said. 'I have some great teammates around me who believe I could make the shot.' Kate Moloney passes for the Vixens. Picture: Getty Images With the game in the balance, Matilda Garrett was forced from the court with injury. In the time out that followed, Tania Obst was direct to her star shooter Horjus. 'Georgie, you are going to have to be brave mate,' said Obst, as she was tasked with bringing the game home for them. Despite her two super shots, it was a miss that landed in the hands of the Vixens that gave them the chance to then play possession netball and come away with a hard fought win. The Vixens were handed a minor complication before the first whistle, with starting goal keeper Rudi Ellis copping a stray elbow from teammate Jo Weston that left a nasty cut requiring some quick attention from the medical staff. It didn't perturb Ellis, who was quick into the action and working hard to disrupt the ball into Romelda Aiken-George. Romelda Aiken-George has been on-target for the Thunderbirds all season. Picture: Getty Images Kate Eddy was tasked with containing reigning season MVP Georgie Horjus, and did so with ease. She finished the game with three gains and only five penalties while forcing Horjus into an uncharacteristic two turnovers. As the lead started to push out, Thunderbirds were quick to pull their super sub and move Georgie Horjus into goal attack and it didn't take long for her to hit her first two super shots and draw the margin back to three heading into the main break. The Thunderbirds defensive duo were kept relatively quiet, with the ball speed and patience from the Vixens limiting their ability to win any ball finishing with only three gains between them. The battle between Latanya Wilson and Austin was tipped to decide the game, with Austin dominating in the first half as she moved around the court with ease and wasn't put off by Wilson's lengthy reach. Becoming increasingly frustrated by her inability to win ball, Wilson's penalties increased to 16, ahead of her season average of 14.2 per game. The victory marks the first time in four matches that the Vixens have toppled the 2024 premiers, and sets them up for yet another do or die clash with either the West Coast Fever or NSW Swifts next weekend to earn a place in the grand final. It also provides the chance for the Vixens to send head coach Simone McKinnis out on the ultimate high, as she is set to step down from her role at season's end. Thunderbirds wing defence Sophie Casey looks to pass. Picture: Getty Images MIGHTY MCKINNIS Melbourne Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis announced mid-season that this would be her last at the helm of the Victorian powerhouse club. She took over the reins 13 years ago, and in that time has guided the club to two premierships, two additional grand final appearances and three minor premierships. Having coached over 200 games of elite netball, she is one of the most respected coaches in the game and is responsible for the development of a raft of current and former Diamonds players. MATILDA'S MILESTONE Thunderbirds defender Matilda Garrett notched up her 100th national league game in the side's loss to the Vixens. She moved to the club in 2021after three years at the now defunct Collingwood Magpies and has since become one of Australia's leading defenders. Often the quiet achiever alongside Jamaican superstars Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Latanya Wilson, this year she has stepped into her own with 35 gains and 48 deflections to her name to earn her third consecutive Diamonds call up. FEVER THRASH THE SWIFTS West Coast Fever have continued their march through a record breaking season, with a relentless 77 to 45 point victory over the NSW Swifts to book their place in the 2025 Super Netball grand final. Finishing as minor premiers for the first time in the club's history, Fever have also recorded an historic 13 wins on the trot in a record finals' margin that left Swifts struggling for answers. Unable to wipe the smile off his face post match, an elated coach Dan Ryan said to the near capacity crowd, 'Get your flights to Melbourne - we will see you there!' West Coast star Fran Williams. Picture: Getty Images Battling injuries to key personnel, the long trip west to Fever's fortress and the raucous Green Army, the match proved to be mission impossible for the Swifts, after they were annihilated by 32 points. They will face the Melbourne Vixens in next weekend's elimination final, a tough comedown after going undefeated through their first eight matches. While exciting defender Teigan O'Shannassy remains out with a back issue, the Swifts will be hoping their ever-reliable captain Paige Hadley will be available after sitting out two matches with a foot injury. Nerves played a role at the start, as Fever tore out to an early 8-2 lead following two offensive penalties from Swifts' star shooter Grace Nweke, who was caught pushing off her opponent. In a clinical display, Fever gave away just 15 turnovers and also pounced on the Swifts' 30 as Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard delivered a master shooting class at the other end. Fever trio Shanice Beckford, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Sunday Aryang high five at the half time break. Picture: Getty Images The ice cool Jamaican queen shot a outdid her own finals' record with 66/68 at 97 percent accuracy despite enormous defensive pressure from Diamonds' defender Sarah Klau. Swifts slumped to a nine point deficit at the end of the first quarter, with goal attack Helen Housby kept under tight wraps by defenders Sunday Aryang, Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Fran Williams during the two point period. With the lead blowing out further, Swifts' coach Briony Akle had little option but to go to supershots to reduce the deficit, benching Nweke for Sophie Fawns, leaving two mobile shooters in the circle. Grace Nweke was benched as the Swifts turned to the super shot to salvage the semi final. Picture: Getty Images While their radar was on, both were starved of opportunity under smothering defensive work as Fever continued to build their lead. Akle continued to rotate her young troops, but coming up with just seven gains to Fever's 18, and a 61 percent centre pass conversion rate compared to Fever's 81, was never going to be enough to make inroads. New Diamonds' squad member Alice Teague-Neeld was in blistering MVP form, while Aryang finished with seven gains as she dominated her opponents. TEIGAN TURNS UP THE HEAT Despite missing finals with a back injury, Swifts' defender Teigan O'Shannassy has been rewarded with a Diamonds' invitee berth for her great form this season. National coach Stacey Marinkovich described O'Shannassy as one of the best defenders in the league for 'coming off her own player and getting intercepts'. 'She's hard, courageous to the ball, and has a loud voice at the back at key moments in the game, so that really grabbed our attention,' she said. NET POINT NOUS Across the season, the four players with the highest average Net Point scores all come from the Fever and Swifts. Leading the pack is Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard on 114.6, followed by Grace Nweke on 90.5, Alice Teague-Neeld on 87.3 and Paige Hadley on 86. The loss of the ever-reliable Hadley through a foot injury is a particular blow to the Swifts during today's match. Read related topics: Adelaide
