The West Coast Fever, led by Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard's outstanding performance with 62 goals, secured a resounding 94-58 victory over the Queensland Firebirds to maintain their unbeaten record in the Suncorp Super Netball League on Friday.

The Fever established their dominance from the outset, racing to a commanding 26-16 lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite the absence of Kelsey Browne, the team demonstrated versatility with new combinations on court. Captain Jess Anstiss took on the centre position, and Sunday Aryang made her season debut in Wing Defence.

The second quarter saw the Fever extend their lead to 49-28 at halftime, with standout performances from Fran Williams in defense, securing crucial deflections and rebounds. Fowler-Nembhard and Shanice Beckford continued to shine in the shooting circle, further bolstering the Fever's advantage. All together, the Fever shot with 95 per cent accuracy from the field.

Fever's defensive prowess was on full display in the third quarter, with newcomers Olivia Williamson and Ruth Aryang making significant impacts. Williamson, making her start, scored nine goals, including three super shots, while Ruth Aryang showcased her defensive skills with key rebounds and intercepts.

As the game progressed into the final quarter, the Fever maintained their intensity, closing out the match with a decisive victory. The combination of Williamson and Beckford in the shooting circle proved formidable, with Williamson contributing 15 goals and Beckford adding 8 goals to the Fever's impressive final score of 94 points.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Firebirds were led by Donnell Wallam's strong performance, scoring 37 goals in the match.

Alice Teague-Neeld played a crucial role throughout the match, tallying an impressive 45 feeds and 33 goal assists, while also showcasing strong defensive capabilities in the fourth quarter.

With this victory, the West Coast Fever remain undefeated in the Suncorp Super Netball League, securing their fifth win of the season. The team will now shift their focus to their upcoming home game against the Thunderbirds at RAC Arena on Saturday, May 18.

Following another series of top-notch performances over the weekend, it comes as no surprise that Caribbean players continue to line the statistics leaderboards in the early exchanges of the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball League campaign.

Jamaica's Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Shanice Beckford, assisted West Coast Fever to a thumping 75-59 win over New South Wales Swifts, the team of Trinidad and Tobago stalwart Samantha Wallace-Joseph, while other Jamaicans, Romelda Aiken-George, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, and Latanya Wilson, were instrumental in Adelaide Thunderbirds’ 69-49 win over Jodi-Ann Ward’s GIANTS.

Fowler-Nembhard, an imposing figure in the shooting circle, scored 61 goals from 62 attempts in the Fever’s latest win, and remains top of the tables in several categories – namely, Nissan Net Points (490.5), goals (243) and attempts (248). Aiken-George (148 goals and 171 attempts) and Wallace-Joseph (138 goals and 148 attempts) are fourth and fifth in the goals and attempts categories respectively.

Beckford has been finding her footing at the two-point Super Shot line in her debut season, but it is the 86 centre passes received that has her atop that category, jointly with Fever’s teammate Alice Teague-Neeld and Liz Watson of the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Samantha Wallace-Joseph (second right) prepares to receive the ball, while under pressure from Kadie-Ann Dehaney.

Aiken-George retains top spot for offensive rebounds with 22 to her name, with Fowler-Nembhard (13) fifth in that category, while Sterling-Humphrey (8) has slipped third in the defensive rebound category, behind Remi Kamo (10) and Sarah Klau (8).

However, Sterling-Humphrey is not to be beaten elsewhere though, as she maintains a strangle hold atop the deflections and intercepts tallies with 27 and 15 to her name. Her teammate Wilson sits fourth and second on the deflections and intercepts lists with 22 and 14.

Meanwhile, Sunday Aryang and Ash Ervin have taken second and third for deflections with 26 and 25 respectively.

Teague-Neeld remains on top of the goal assists leaderboard with 107 to her name, followed closely by Liz Watson (96).

Sophie Dwyer and Kiera Austin have not shied away from the Suncorp Super Shot, sitting equal first with 32 attempts apiece, and both within the top five for successful attempts. Helen Housby sits top of the table for successful shots with 22 to her name from 29 attempts.

The West Coast Fever delivered a commanding performance against the New South Wales Swifts in the Suncorp Super Netball League on Sunday, maintaining their unbeaten streak with a resounding 75-59 victory. The win marks the Fever's fourth consecutive triumph in the league.

 Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard led the charge for the Fever, showcasing her shooting prowess with an impressive tally of 59 goals from 60 attempts. In contrast, Samantha Wallace-Joseph of the Swifts managed 34 goals from 35 attempts.

 The match was evenly poised at halftime, with the Fever holding a narrow 35-33 lead. However, they seized control in the second half, outscoring the Swifts 40-26 to secure a decisive victory.

 Both teams displayed high-intensity play from the outset, with the ball swiftly transitioning between players and into the hands of their sharpshooters, Fowler-Nembhard and Wallace-Joseph. The Fever capitalized on their offensive strategies, utilizing precise passing to set up scoring opportunities for Fowler-Nembhard against a formidable Swifts defence.

 Although the Swifts showed promise in the second quarter, tightening their defensive pressure and causing turnovers, the Fever regained momentum after halftime. Fowler-Nembhard continued to dominate in the shooting circle, supported by a cohesive midfield effort led by Kelsey Browne.

 Defensively, Sunday Aryang played a pivotal role for the Fever, effectively neutralizing key Swifts players and disrupting their attacking flow. The Fever's relentless defensive pressure and cohesive teamwork ultimately propelled them to a convincing victory.

 With this win, the West Coast Fever maintain their unbeaten run in the Suncorp Super Netball League, showcasing their championship potential early in the season. The team's performance underscores their depth and skill across all facets of the game, setting a strong foundation for future success in the competition.

Jamaica’s Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard celebrated another milestone in the Suncorp Super Netball League, as she surpassed the 8,000-goal mark in leading West Coast Fever to an exciting 69-62 victory over Melbourne Mavericks at the John Cain Arena on Saturday.

The ever-reliable Fowler-Nembhard scored a perfect 50 goals from 50 attempts, with support from compatriot Shanice Beckford, who had 18 goals from 16 attempts, including four supershots worth two points each. Olivia Wilkinson contributed the other goal in the Fever’s third-consecutive win.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks scoring was also led by a Jamaican Shimona Jok, who registered 27 goals from 29 attempts before taking up goalkeeper duties. Eleanor Cardwell had 22 goals from 22 attempts, while Gabrielle Sinclair, who sunk six supershots, ended with 13 goals from nine attempts.

The West Coast Fever delivered three quarters of relentless netball, extinguishing any hope of a home victory for the Mavericks on this occasion.

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard continued to shine brightly, showcasing her exceptional early season form, as the Fever’s made their intentions clear from the start. However, the Mavericks through Maisie Nankivell and Jok, ensured it remained a tightly contested affair, as they took a three-goal lead 17-14 at the conclusion of the first quarter.

Like they did at the start, the Fever scored four unanswered goals at the top of the second quarter courtesy of intercepts by Jamaican Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Jess Anstiss. Though the Mavericks tried to regain the momentum back, Kelsey Browne’s speed and pressure in centre court, saw Fever control and dominate the contest at 40-32 at the half-time interval.

In a surprising move for the Mavericks, Jok transitioned from goalshoot to goalkeeper with hopes of containing Fowler-Nembhard, and her immediate impact was evident. However, Beckford's precision sinking supershots rendered the move futile.

From there, the speed in attack and high intensity pressure led by Dehaney and Fran Williams in defence, coupled with the accuracy of the shooters, propelled the Fever’s to a 11-goal lead at 54-43 to close the third quarter.

The fourth quarter started in the same vein, as Fowler-Nembhard scored her 42nd goal of the evening and brought up 8,000 National League Goals in the process.

Fever held a 10-goal lead at the start of Power Five, before the Mavericks’ supershot prowess saw them cut the deficit to five, but the Dan Ryan-coached Fever’s held their own to close out the win.

Elsewhere, Adelaide Thunderbirds, the team of Jamaicans Romelda-Aiken George, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, and Latanya Wilson, rebounded from last week’s defeat to top Sunshine Coast Lightning 60-56, at the UniSC Arena.

Aiken-George led the Thunderbirds with 43 goals from 48 attempts, with Lauren Frew (14 goals from 21 attempts), and Lucy Austin (three goals from five attempts) getting in on the act.

Meanwhile, Cara Koenen (24 goals from 26 attempst), Steph Fratwell (26 goals from 27 atempts) and Reilley Batcheldor (six goals from nine attempts) got the goals the Lightning.

The game began with a flurry of errors, centre pass missteps, poor passes, and some defenders hungry for the ball. Both teams traded turnovers, but it was the Lightning, who fell behind as they couldn’t convert from their centre pass.

At the other end, the Thunderbirds not only managed to convert theirs but were then able to take advantage of any intercepts on defence.

From there, it was a case of who handled the ball best throughout the first three quarters which ended 17-4, 31-20, 39-36 in favour of the Thunderbirds, before the Lightning rallied to tie things at 50-50 at the end to send the game into overtime.

There seemed to be some level of confusion for both teams, neither remembering the rules of the overtime period. The Lightning was late to realise that the super shot was in play for the entirety of the overtime period, and the Thunder forgot there were two five-minute halves.

Fretwell took advantage of the supershot, as she nailed a few to put her team within reach, but the Thunderbirds showed no fear, courtesy of Frew and Aiken-George, who saw them to a four-goal win.

Jamaican goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard was in her usual dominant form to help the West Coast Fever open their 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season with a commanding 19-goal win over Sydney-based Giants Netball at the Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday.

The Fever jumped out to a 26-21 advantage after the first quarter and stretched it to 45-34 at halftime.

Another dominant period in the third meant they had a comfortable 67-50 lead heading into the final quarter before winning that one 17-15 for a combined score of 84-65.

Fowler-Nembhard, the five-time MVP, scored 64 goals from 64 attempts while Shanice Beckford had 12 goals from 16 attempts.

Beckford also had one interception, the same amount as teammate Kadie-Ann Dehaney.

Elsewhere, Romelda Aiken-George converted 48 goals from 57 attempts to help the defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds secure a tense one-point win over the Queensland Firebirds at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Thunderbirds led 18-14 after the first quarter before a 19-19 second quarter meant the teams went in to the half with the defending champs leading 37-33.

The Firebirds won the third quarter 18-15 meaning the teams went into the fourth period separated by just one point, with the Thunderbirds ahead 52-51.

The fourth quarter was as close as it could get, with the teams finishing level on 11 points meaning the Thunderbirds held their nerve to secure a 63-62 win.

Aiken-George’s Sunshine Girls teammates, Latanya Wilson and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, both starred on the defensive end for the winners.

Wilson had three interceptions while Sterling-Humphrey had 10 gains, eight deflections and six interceptions.

In a thrilling showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, the West Coast Fever defeated the  New South Wales Swifts 52-50 in the opening match of the 2024 Team Girls Cup. With her remarkable accuracy and undeniable skill, Fowler-Nembhard netted an impressive 40 goals from just 43 attempts, to spur the Fever to victory.

Trinidad and Tobago's Samantha Wallace led the charge for the Swifts scoring 17 goals for the losers.

From the first whistle, it was evident that this match would be nothing short of intense. The Swifts and the Fever traded goals relentlessly, each determined to gain an early advantage. But it was the towering presence of Jamaica's own Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard that truly shone in the opening quarter.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the Fever began to assert their dominance. Led by their captain, Jess Anstiss, and the dynamic duo of Fowler-Nembhard and newcomer Olivia Wilkinson, the Fever surged ahead, much to the delight of their supporters. Despite the Swifts' best efforts to narrow the gap, the Fever maintained their momentum, heading into halftime with a commanding lead of 27-21.

However, the Swifts were not about to go down without a fight. With determination etched on their faces, they launched a fierce comeback in the third quarter, closing the deficit with a flurry of super shots. But the Fever defense, anchored by the likes of Fran Williams and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, stood firm, refusing to buckle under pressure. Meanwhile, Shanice Beckford provided a taste of her lightning-fast reflexes, expertly maneuvering the ball to her teammates and contributing two crucial goals from two attempts.

As the final quarter unfolded, the tension reached its peak. With the score-line neck and neck, every possession became crucial. But it was the Fever who held their nerve when it mattered most. With Alice Teague-Neale orchestrating the midfield and Sunday Aryang showcasing her unwavering determination, the Fever managed to fend off the Swifts' relentless onslaught. And when the final buzzer sounded, it was the Fever who emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought win.

Shanice Beckford knew adjusting to life in Australia would take some doing, but knowing the opportunity that was there to be grasped, she did not hesitate to make the move when West Coast Fever called.

Just as Beckford expected, the first two weeks in Perth took its toll, but she is just about getting ready to turn the proverbial corner ahead of what she hopes will be a very successful debut stint in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League.

“The first two weeks were difficult for me, but I must say it has been quite fun. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on family-oriented activities. I'm really loving the environment so far. Despite some initial struggles with my sleeping patterns, I'm gradually settling in. Overall, everything is going pretty well and I'm feeling quite content with my decision to join this club,” Beckford told SportsMax.TV.

To her credit, Beckford adapted quite quickly and judging by her bubbly and energetic movements in training so far, the talented goal-attack is merely just getting started where taking on a significant workload and displaying her usual craftiness on court is concerned as she fits into the new environment.

“I am learning to be patient with myself and to trust my coaches, teammates, and the process as I gradually work my way into the team. I am taking my time to improve and find my place in the different combinations,” Beckford shared.

“Although, I am still adjusting to the time zone, when it comes to training, it's a whole different ball game. Moreover, it's been good as I have enough time to recover, and I don’t have to worry about rushing to work or getting home late at night, like the challenges we face back home in Jamaica. I felt like after the first two weeks, everything became a little easier to handle,” she added.

Despite the fact that she has honed her skills in a fairly successful career spanning 10 years, Beckford, 28, was eager to not only parade her skills in the SSN, but also to continue her development outside of the Sunshine Girls setup, and for her West Coast Fever represents the perfect fit.

“Being in this environment will provide me with the necessary structural skills and resources to unlock a new level of potential in my netball career. So far, it's been going well, although, I can’t stress this enough, the first two weeks were a bit of a struggle as I had to get back into the groove and adapt to the standards and way of playing of the Fever team. However, I'm getting there and I'm pretty excited to see how much this experience will enhance my skillset and develop me as a player by the end,” the soft-spoken player noted.

With the start of the season still just over two months out, Beckford expressed excitement at the prospects for her and Fever’s teammates – which includes compatriots Jhaniele Fowler and Kadie-Ann Dehaney –to find success and, by extension, lay a solid foundation for a possible future at the club, as she has not ruled out the idea of an extension on her one-year contract.

The Dan Ryan-coached West Coast Fever, which won the title in 2022, will open their campaign in this, the eight edition of the SSN against Giants on April 13.

“I'm feeling very optimistic about this fresh crop of girls. It's an entirely new-look team, with many new players joining the ranks alongside some of our more seasoned members. Despite the differences in experience and style, we're blending together seamlessly and making excellent progress so far,” Beckford said. 

“So, I am prepared to do my best to get the job done, no matter what condition I am in. Everyone wants to play in the finals at the end of the season, but I know it won't be easy. Therefore, I am keeping an open mind, embracing the journey, and taking things one session at a time and it will be the same approach come game time,” she declared.

Having so far achieved all that she set out to when she just launched her career as an 18-year-old, Beckford pointed out that adding a SSN title to her accolades, would be the icing on top.

She has so far won Commonwealth Games medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, along with Fast5 medals in 2013, 2017 and 2018, as well as a Netball World Cup medal last year. All this is complemented by her 2015 stint in England’s Superleague.

“Personally, winning the SSN title would be an incredible moment that I wouldn't be able to explain right now. Let’s just say it would be the icing on the cake, and I know the West Coast Fever family would be thrilled with the victory,” she ended.

West Coast Fever has retained premiership stars Jess Anstiss and Alice Teague-Neeld for three Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League seasons, as well as Sunday Aryang and Jhaniele Fowler for a further two seasons.

The Club has added the experience Kelsey Browne in the mid-court for season 2024, while the arrivals of England Roses captain Fran Williams, and former Sunshine Coast Lightning player Kadie-Ann Dehaney will bolster the defence.

The future is bright for Fever with the signing of young guns Jordan Cransberg and Olivia Wilkinson for three years each, while the addition of Sunshine Girls goal-attack Shanice Beckford, is also expected to add impetus to the Perth-based club's charge.

Head Coach Dan Ryan said the Green Army should be excited about the familiar faces returning combined with the fresh injection of x-factor players.

“I’m so excited about what this team can become, and our mission is going to be to become the best team we possibly can be. All 10 players contributing, playing a role, using their skillsets and weapons to help get us across the line,” Ryan said.

“It’s going to be ferocious West Coast Fever like always, but we are going to look a little bit different and that’s what I’m really excited by," he added.

Ryan said the Club had a clear strategy during recruitment to ensure the team was very versatile. 

“I think the most important thing to take out of last season is that it really does take a full team of 10 to win the competition, which is what we saw from the Thunderbirds and Swifts,” he said.

“We’ve got a really deep squad. We’ve got positional coverage in every single position on the court, and we can roll the subs in any position without having to make too many shuffles across the court.

“I’m excited by enough continuity that we can keep doing what we’re doing that’s seen us be successful over the past couple of years.

“But we also have some really new, exciting players coming into our line-up that can make us change the game, shift our game plan, shift our strategies and that unpredictable nature is going to be a bit of a competitive edge for us.”

West Coast Fever will officially commence pre-season training in the new year. 

After assisting Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls to break a lengthy 16-year medal drought when they secured bronze at this year’s Vitality Netball World Cup in South Africa, Shanice Beckford toyed with the idea of retirement.

At that time, Beckford was convinced that she had accomplished all she set out to in a fairly successful career spanning 10 years. After all, she was also a part of three teams that won Commonwealth Games medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, that goes along with Fast5 medals in 2013, 2017 and 2018, as well as a 2015 stint in England’s Superleague.

The only void Beckford felt as she reflected on her journey, was the fact that she didn’t parade her skills in the Australian Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League, though she had already given up on that dream.

But as fate would have it, a one-year deal with SSN outfit West Coast Fever came at an opportune time for Beckford, who was virtually at her wits' end.

“I am still processing to be honest. The thought of playing in the SSN has been a lingering desire of mine for years, and I had given up on the idea, so I am beyond elated that this opportunity that I have been waiting for has now materialized at this point in my career,” Beckford told SportsMax.TV.

“I feel incredibly fortunate, as this opportunity comes at a critical juncture in my life. Lately, I have been struggling to find the motivation to play netball at all levels, but this signing has reignited my passion and gives me a new sense of purpose. I am grateful for this saving grace and will do everything in my power to make the most of this incredible opportunity,” she noted.

“It is not just a dream come true, but a significant milestone in my netball career and life. The prospect of playing in the SNL has always been a driving force that has kept me motivated and inspired me to become a better player. This is a new chapter and phase in my journey, and I am ready to embrace it,” a beaming Beckford added.

The talented goal-attack will join Sunshine Girls teammates, ace shooter Jhaniele Fowler, and defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney at the Perth-based franchise for the 2024 season.

Besides the fact that it is an opportunity to add to her accomplishments, Beckford is well aware of the responsibility that comes with her new contract. It is a responsibility that she embraces but she is also focused on her commitment to her body.

“I am taking the same steps that everyone does while in a professional environment. It is important to be training at a high level, but it is also equally important to make sure you are taking care of your body so that you can be fit to perform at the highest level.

“So, for this new chapter in my life, it is almost like a whole new ball game. Although I am unable to join my team in Australia at the moment, I am keeping myself physically fit by following the necessary training programs, and mentally, I am working on getting my head in right space, basically a renewed mindset, and just preparing myself for the challenges that lie ahead,” Beckford shared.

To say that the 28-year-old has become one of world netball’s most influential and best performed goal attacks, would be an understatement. With a significant workload and craftiness on court, a deadly accurate shot, and a cheerful personality, it is safe to say that Beckford will have little issues fitting into the new environment.

In fact, it would come as no surprise if the Dan Ryan-coached 2022 champions were to extend Beckford’s contract at the end of the season. But for now, the 5ft 9in tall goal-attack is focused on the immediate task at hand.

“I'm feeling a bit nervous and anxious, but also very excited to bring my years of experience to this new opportunity and to continue learning, as there's always room for improvement. I have the right tools to play at a high level. So, my overall goal is to make the most of this new challenge so that I can continue to grow as both a person and a player,” Beckford declared.

“I just want to maintain an open mind and be willing to embrace new ideas and perspectives. Consistency is also crucial as it helps to build momentum and produce results. Hard work is a given, but being open to learning new ways of doing things is equally important. Finally, it's also about having a great season and more importantly, having fun while doing it, building strong relationships, and making meaningful progress,” she ended.

Five-time Stacey Marinkovich Medallist Jhaniele Fowler will return to the West Coast Fever in the Suncorp Super Netball League for another two seasons and will be joined by fellow Sunshine Girls Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney.

The 34-year-old shooter has been a player for the West Coast Fever since 2018 and led the team to the league title in 2022. She is excited about the coming season when she will be joined by two of her teammates from Jamaica's Sunshine Girls.

“2024 is going to be another amazing season with the Green Army behind us, we're going to do amazing things," said the Fever's leading scorer in the past five years.

“The addition of Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney is going to be massive for Fever and I can't wait for the Green Army to see them in action. I have such a great connection with both Shanice and Kadie-Ann, to have three Sunshine Girls at Fever is honestly a dream come true.

“Round One cannot come quick enough. I’m super excited to be back on board for 2024 and can't wait to play in front of the Green Army at RAC Arena again.” 

Head Coach Dan Ryan was thrilled Fowler would continue her journey with the Club. 

“Jhaniele has so much more netball ahead of her and I know she will be even more dominant. She’s so hungry to keep improving her game and achieve more team success. 

“She’s a champion and a hugely respected leader so I know she’s going to play a key role in helping build our familiar but fresh-looking team.”

Fever have signed Beckford on one-year contract, and she will arrive in Perth in the new year. 

“It’s always been my dream to play netball in the best league in the world so to become part of such a wonderful netball family at West Coast Fever and to play in front of the Green Army will be truly an honour for me,” Beckford said.

“I know there is so much that I can learn in this new environment, while at the same time, I know that I have a lot to bring to the table including a ‘never say die’ winning attitude and a good work ethic.”

Ryan said Beckford was a world class goal attack who the Green Army are going to love.  

“Shanice has speed to burn, she’s crafty, accurate and the ultimate workhorse. Her combination with Jhaniele will be one to watch and I think she’s going to add real x-factor to our attack,” Ryan said.

“She’s been such a consistent performer for the Sunshine Girls for the past decade and is one of the unsung heroes of world netball. I really believe her best is yet to come.”

Dehaney crosses over to Fever from the Sunshine Coast Lightning and will partner Sunday Aryang and Fran Williams in defence for the next two seasons.

“I’m super excited and grateful for this opportunity to head over to the West and play for West Coast Fever,” Dehaney said. 

“I’m also looking forward to playing with my Jamaican teammates Jhaniele and Shanice on the SSN stage in front of the Green Army at RAC Arena.”

Ryan said Dehaney was an aggressive hunting defender who can win the ball in every way possible.

“Kadie-Ann has so much untapped potential and is absolutely ready to stamp her authority on this league. I truly believe this is her time to do it,” Ryan said.

“She’s got great height, range and her ability to confuse the space and cause some chaos is really impressive. She will fit our style of play and structures really nicely and with a few familiar faces in the team, I can really see her thriving in the Fever environment.”

A number of Caribbean players are now left in wait-and-see mode, as they could be affected by an ongoing pay dispute in the Australian Super Netball League.

Players such as Jamaica’s Jhaniele Fowler, Romelda Aiken-George, Shamera Sterling, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Samantha Wallace, are among those who will be watching with bated breaths, after Australia Netball Players’ Association rejected the latest offer from Netball Australia and the eight Super Netball League clubs.

Officials from Netball Australia and the clubs expressed disappointment at the ANPA’s dismissal of the offer that they described as a “ground-breaking” collective player agreement.

However, the ANPA in its response said, “the players believe they’ve bent over backwards” in a bid to reach an agreement, and they are now appealing for mediation “to achieve meaningful and fair progress.”

Netball Australia on Monday stated that an offer was made to improve its investment by AUS $1.275 million – a 20 per cent increase across a three-year deal.

Netball Australia explained that offer was on top of “the earning potential of a profit-share partnership model”, and this was without any forecast material increase in the sport’s revenue in the short term, given the current broadcast deal runs until 2026.

Netball Australia added that it offered a base wage increase of nine per cent over three years and a maximum salary cap increase of three per cent over the same term, in addition to increased potential commercial earnings, extra playing and earning opportunities with the introduction of rookies, and a share in the profits generated by the Super Netball League for the first time.

“Throughout negotiations, Netball Australia and the clubs have made significant concessions in good faith to finalise the deal and build a strong partnership model with the ANPA and Super Netball players. Netball Australia and the ANPA met again [this past] Saturday, and we continue to offer to meet to finalise a deal,” a statement from Netball Australia said.

“Netball Australia and the clubs are not opposed to mediation, but we are concerned beginning the process at this late stage would extend this already lengthy process and continue to delay the stability and certainty all parties seek.

“Netball Australia and the eight clubs have simply reached their capacity to make further concessions to the ANPA and players without jeopardising the health of the league and its teams, their respective stakeholders, and the entire netball eco-system in Australia,” the statement continued.

Netball Australia pointed out that any further increase to player wages beyond the current offer would be irresponsible, because they would negatively impact funding for community and grassroots netball.

It reiterated that the three-year deal would provide much-needed stability for the players, clubs and the league and would ensure all parties could focus on working together collectively to grow the sport.

“We appeal to the ANPA to re-consider our revised three-year offer and present it to all Super Netball players, so they can have their say,” the statement ended.

But the players’ association argued that Netball Australia had rejected a real partnership with the players.

“We cannot in good conscience lock players into an unfair three-year deal, which does not reflect their value and contribution,” the players’ association statement asserted.

“Adding to the players’ concern is a lack of clarity around the finances underpinning the game, and uncertainty around the strategic direction for netball.”

The schedule for the 2024 Super Netball League season is yet to be released because of the collective player agreement dispute.

Sterling and compatriot Latanya Wilson are members of The Adelaide Thunderbirds, while Wallace and Aiken-George represents New South Wales Swifts. Fowler is a member of West Coast Fever.

Sunshine Girls and West Coast Fever star, Jhaniele Fowler, has described winning her fifth Stacey Marinkovich Medal, awarded to the West Coast Fever’s MVP of the season, as an “amazing feeling.”

The dominant goal shooter led the Suncorp Super League in net points with 1516.5 and goals with 872, respectively.

Her 872 goals put her more than 200 goals clear of anybody else, with Donnell Wallam of the Queensland Firebirds coming closest with 669.

Fowler was also selected as the Fever’s Players’ Player of the Year.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’m more than honored and elated to have been selected for this prestigious medal,” Fowler said.

She noted that having her family there to witness it made it more special.

“It definitely means a lot more to have them to celebrate this momentous accomplishment with,” she said.

With this being her fifth time winning the medal, Fowler was asked if this one felt any different than the others.

“It’s right up there with the other ones,” she said.

“Every year that I win this I try to not take it for granted because there’s a lot of work that goes into this, not only on my behalf but what my teammates have to put in for us to get here and for me to get here is so incredible. Each one means the same,” Fowler added.

Fowler will now turn her attention to the Netball World Cup set to begin on July 28 in South Africa.

“The next couple of weeks looks like me going in with my Jamaican teammates. We’re going into camp for a few weeks and then heading to the World Cup and taking that head on,” Fowler added.

Dominant goal shooter, Jhaniele Fowler, was named as the West Coast Fever’s Stacey Marinkovich Medal recipient for the fifth time after another dominant season in the Suncorp Super Netball League.

The medal, named after former Australian player Stacey Marinkovich, is awarded to the team’s Most Valuable Player for the season.

Fowler, who has also been named MVP of the league for the last five seasons, led the league in net points with 1516.5 and goals with 872, respectively.

Her 872 goals put her more than 200 goals clear of anybody else, with Donnell Wallam of the Queensland Firebirds coming closest with 669.

Fowler was also selected as the Fever’s Players’ Player of the Year.

Romelda Aiken-George’s New South Wales Swifts stunned Jhaniele Fowler’s defending champions West Coast Fever 65-64 to advance to the grand final of the Suncorp Super Netball League.

The Fever got out to a 19-15 lead at the end of the first quarter at the Qudos Bank Arena in New South Wales on Saturday.

An 18-16 second quarter win for the Swifts meant the deficit between the teams at half-time was just two, with the defending champions ahead 35-33.

After the third quarter, the Fever enjoyed a 51-46 lead and looked set to get a chance to defend their title.

The Swifts had other ideas, however, and produced a stunning fourth quarter comeback, outscoring the Fever 19-13 to secure the one-point win and a trip to the title decider.

Aiken-George led the way with 25 goals from 26 attempts for the Swifts while Fowler scored 55 goals from 56 attempts for the Fever.

Their opponents in the Grand Final will be the Adelaide Thunderbirds, home of Sunshine Girls Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson.

The Swifts will be looking for revenge after the Thunderbirds beat them 64-62 in the preliminary finals.

Spurred by Jhaniele Fowler’s 55 goals, defending Suncorp Super League champions, West Coast Fever, defeated Melbourne Vixens 64-57 on Sunday to advance to the preliminary final against New South Wales Swifts on July 1.

 The winner will the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Grand Final set for July 8.

The Thunderbirds defeated the Swifts 64-62 on Saturday night.

In what was a tough match, Fowler playing before her home crowd at the RAC Arena, missed just one shot as Fever led each quarter 15-14, 17-16, 16-14, before opening up a seven-point lead after taking the final quarter 16-13.

Mwai Kumwenda only missed one of her 40 attempts to lead the scoring for the Vixens.

Over at the Qudos Bank Arena, Romelda Aiken George’s 29 goals were not enough to get the New South Wales Swifts against the Thunderbirds, who pulled off a dramatic 64-62 victory to book a place in the Grand Finals.

Helen Housby added 15 goals for the Swifts but Eleanor Cardwell’s 18 goals, 13 from Lucy Austin and 11 from Tippa Dwan were just enough to seal the Thunderbirds’ place in the final.