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• Shimona Jok embraces new opportunity with Melbourne Mavericks amid controversy

  Shimona Jok, the Jamaican netball star, has emerged from a tumultuous year with renewed optimism and a fresh opportunity in Super Netball, having signed with the Melbourne Mavericks as their 11th player. Jok's journey to this point has been marked by challenges, controversy, and personal growth, as detailed in a recent interview with ABC Sport.

  The 2023 season was a testing period for Jok, navigating the collapse of the Collingwood Magpies, enduring financial struggles due to a CPA dispute, and experiencing an 11-week period without pay. Amidst this adversity, she found solace in marrying basketball player Buay Jok.

  Despite these hardships, Jok's fortune turned when she was selected by the Mavericks, albeit under controversial circumstances. The signing raised eyebrows due to the league's criteria for the 11th player, which appeared to favour emerging Australian talent eligible for the Diamonds. However, Mavericks coach Tracey Neville leveraged Jok's permanent residency to secure the seasoned international shooter.

  Reflecting on the unexpected opportunity, Jok expressed gratitude and determination. "All I needed to do was just show up to training, work hard, be positive and show them that last year's hardships are not going to define me," said Jok, who will now earn the six-month league minimum of $22,000.

  While Jok's eligibility sparked debate around World Netball regulations, particularly her potential representation of Australia, she remains focused on the present. "My priorities have switched because I don't want to be in this position ever again," Jok explained. "Representing the national team will not always be there; once the international games are done, it's like what's your actual job? What do you do beyond that?"

  Regarding her future with Jamaica versus potential eligibility for Australia, Jok admitted to being "50-50" but emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind.

  As Jok embraces this new chapter with the Mavericks, she reflects on personal growth and resilience amidst professional challenges. Her journey serves as a testament to perseverance and the unwavering support of loved ones and mentors who stood by her during difficult times.

  With the possibility of making her debut for the Mavericks in upcoming matches, Jok looks ahead with confidence, underscoring her growth as a player and her readiness to contribute to her new team's success.

  The Melbourne Mavericks eagerly anticipate integrating Jok into their roster, recognizing her potential to bolster their attack and make a significant impact on the court.

  As Jok prepares for the next phase of her netball career, she embodies resilience and determination, poised to seize the opportunities that lie ahead with the Mavericks.

  "I feel like defenders aren't going to know what to expect if I do get the chance to play Super Netball, because the Shimona Nelson last year is different to the Shimona Jok this year," she said.

   

   

   

   

• Sunshine Girl Shimona Jok promoted to active-player role with Melbourne Mavericks

  Former Collingwood shooter Shimona Jok has been elevated from her training partner role to the active roster of the Melbourne Mavericks in the Suncorp Super Netball League. This promotion comes as the Mavericks face the loss of Sasha Glasgow, who has been sidelined for the season due to a fractured leg.

  The decision to bring the Jamaican into the 11th player position, a tactical addition introduced this season, reflects the team's confidence in her abilities. Shae Bolton-Brown, Mavericks' head coach, expressed enthusiasm about the development, emphasizing the value that Jok brings to the team's attacking strategy.

  "Elevating a player of Shimona's class into our 11th player is huge for us," said Bolton-Brown. "Shimona offers a whole new style of play in our attack end, creating a layer of depth that is critical to our game plan."

  Jok joined the Mavericks as a training partner following the conclusion of the 2023 season after Collingwood's netball operations ceased. The Mavericks, under the new ownership of SEN, welcomed Jok and other former Magpies players into their ranks.

   

• Fowler-Nembhard stars in Fever's win over Giants; Aiken-George's Thunderbirds clips Firebirds in explosive start to Super Netball season

  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.