Netball trades: Patience pays off for top Vixens prospect

Samason seemed an overnight success when she sank a shot after the buzzer in her Super Netball debut to earn the Vixens their first win of the season against the Queensland Firebirds.

It was one of just two victories for the Vixens who seemed to have found the answer to their shooting woes with the former Australian Netball League MVP.

But with the Vixens having already signed their full quota of roster players, Samason was restricted to just three games as an injury replacement before being sidelined again, wondering if her dream of a full-time Super Netball contract would eventuate.

“It was funny reading the articles and comments saying: ‘who is this’ and ‘where has she been?’,” Samason said of reaction in the netball community to her performance.

“I was like, ‘I’ve been here the whole time’.”

Samason’s so-called overnight success had actually been years in the making.

After a breakout season in the second-tier Australian Netball League (ANL) in 2018, she ruptured her ACL and spent the next year completing rehab and also spent the 2020 season on the sidelines when Covid hit, shutting down the ANL and Victoria’s state leagues.

Despite their signing of former West Coast Fever goal attack Kaylia Stanton and teen goaler Ruby Barkmeyer for 2021, the Vixens had not forgotten about Samason and she was called on when defender Emily Mannix was forced out with injury.

The 23-year-old’s Super Netball cameo ended when Mannix returned but Samason clung to her dream of a full-time Super Netball contract, revealing she’d rejected a mid-season approach from a New Zealand franchise.

“I did have a bit of interest coming from New Zealand, they actually asked me to be a replacement player during the season,” Samason said.

“But I was (in camp) with the Vixens at the time and I was still getting some opportunity and didn’t want to throw that away.

“Even though my dad was born in New Zealand, I was born here, so I consider myself an Australian through and through and this is really where I want to play, so I didn’t want to jeopardise that either.

“I had to talk to a lot of friends and family, I didn’t know if I was being really dumb and fantasising about (playing for the Vixens), or if it was worth a shot.

“And I did think it was worth a shot.”

Samason becomes the fifth player signed by the Vixens, who have also locked in premiership players Liz Watson, Kate Moloney, Jo Weston and Emily Mannix.

STAR DEFENDERS INK NEW DEALS WITH CHAMPS

The NSW Swifts have made another pair of re-signings in a bid to keep their premiership team intact, inking deals with star defenders Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner for the next two years.

The pair has formed one of the best defensive combinations in the league, with their job on Giants goalers Sophie Dwyer and Jo Harten in the grand final last month helping the Swifts seal a second Super Netball title.

The pair, currently in camp with the Diamonds in Brisbane, join co-captains Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley to have signed on for 2022.

“I have loved playing for the Swifts since joining back in 2017 so I’m stoked to be on board for another two years,” Klau said.

“It is not just what we’ve been able to achieve on the court, but the way we connect off it which makes it a special club to play for. 

“Winning another Premiership this year was amazing but now we’re excited to go back and defend our title on our home court.

“Sydney has been good to me since I moved there and I want to help continue our success and add to the legacy of the Swifts.”

Turner, who debuted for the Swifts in 2016 has gone from a rookie defender in the final year of the ANZ Championship to one of the best in Super Netball and a double champion.

With 87 Swifts games under her belt already, this year’s grand final MVP could join an elite group of Swifts centurions in 2022 and play her 100th game for the club.

“What I love most about the Swifts is the culture and the inclusiveness both on and off the court,” she said.

“I made the move as a rookie but the club has been like second family since then and helped make Sydney a home away from home for me. 

“Getting to play with Sarah for another two years really excites me too. I think she is the best goal keeper in the world and she’s also one of my best friends so to play alongside her is a pretty cool job to have. 

“Winning titles only makes you hungrier for more and while we’ll have some changes in our team next year, we are ready to build on what we’ve achieved already.”

RAVAILLION NEVER CONSIDERED LEAVING FIREBIRDS

Kim Ravaillion says she never considered her decision to return to Queensland a short-term move and jumped at the chance to recommit to the Firebirds for the next two seasons.

A former Australian Diamonds player and premiership-winning midcourter with the Birdies, Ravaillion returned to Brisbane for the 2021 season where she has thrived, named the club’s MVP after rediscovering her love of the sport.

Every player in the league came off contract following the 2021 season and while Ravaillion’s performances over the year would have seen her stocks rise, she had no thoughts about moving.

“I guess because it’s the club I went to when I was young and they took me in as one of their own,” Ravaillion said of why the Firebirds mean so much to her.

“I had no family (in Queensland) and it was just me taking on this adventure and new opportunity. Ever since then I’ve always felt like they’ve embraced me as part of their family and even now returning, it feels very different (from other clubs).

“I absolutely love being in the Firebirds environment and they literally are my second family and home away from home.”

Ravaillion has given up plenty to return to Queensland, including moving states with daughter Georgie, while partner Adam Treloar continues his AFL career with the Bulldogs.

Some may have thought a Ravaillion move could be on the cards to reunite the family but she said the pair had a commitment to making their careers and family work.

“We want to thrive in the environments that make us perform at our best,” Ravaillion said.

“We only have this career for so long and we want to make the most of that and that’s with me in Queensland and him in Melbourne.”

If the split is hard, being in an environment in which she could not thrive was harder.

Ravallion admits she fell out of love with the game while playing for Collingwood between 2017 and 2019, with the move back to the Firebirds following a year’s maternity leave in 2020 after the birth of daughter Georgie, rekindling her passion for the sport.

“When you love playing something, you love training, you love everything about being an elite athlete and when you’re not enjoying it, you’re always feel like you’re drowning and you’re exhausted and tired and you’re trying to fight that love-hate relationship,” she said.

“Coming back into this (Firebirds) environment has been a breath of fresh air and enabled me to find the love and joy of training again.”

The Firebirds missed the finals in 2021 but Ravaillion says there are high hopes for next year.

“We actually had no expectations coming into this year, I’d had a couple of years off and Grets (Gretel Bueta) had just had a baby and we were trying to finetune our connection and I think we started to build really nicely across the year and now we’re comfortable and ready to tackle it again,” she said.

“Now it’s about really gelling those connections and hopefully winning it next year or getting high up in the finals series.”

GEORGIE HORJUS SIGNS ON WITH THUNDERBIRDS

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have made their first signing by securing Georgie Horjus for two more seasons.

Horjus shot 183 goals in 2021 – her second season in SA – and was named in the 2021/22 Australian Development Squad just last month.

And she’s excited to play her part in keeping South Australian players at the club.

“I think just keeping the homegrown players here in SA and knowing that the young ones are there, we can build a really make a good team in the next coming years,” Horjus said.

“The last couple of years we’ve got a new team together and at the end of this season we started to get some really good connections going.

“We’re not going to win premierships with a (brand) new team, so keeping this team together we’re more likely to win games because we have those stronger connections and know each other’s games a bit better.”

Thunderbirds high performance manager Pitre Bourdon said: “Georgie cemented her place in our starting seven in 2021, building on the potential we saw from her in 2020.

“She is an incredibly talented local netballer with strong netball smarts and we’re very excited to see her continue to grow in the coming seasons.

“Georgie is passionate about the club and playing for her state and we’re confident she will play a key role in our club’s future.”

FEVER REUNITES POTENT ATTACKING COMBINATION

West Coast Fever have reunited one of the most potent attacking combinations in the league, re-signing midcourter Verity Charles to a two-year deal.

Charles, a member of the diamonds squad, has an almost innate connection to star shooter Jhaniele Fowler, who she is able to find from almost anywhere on court.

Widely regarded as the best shooter in the world, Fowler thrives on quick, clean ball from Charles and the pair has powered Fever to great success.

Charles has appeared in two Super Netball grand finals with the Fever and while they are yet to win the title, she believes success is not far away.

“We’ve got unfinished business,” Charles said.

“It was a tough year this year. We’ve learned, we’ve seen what we need to do, and I think now we’ll put the goods through.

“It’s really exciting times at Fever.”

Charles said she was looking forward to continuing her career in Western Australia in front of the Green Army.

“I am really excited and my gratitude and appreciation to be a part of this club is super high right now,” she said.

“I have stayed here for so long is because it becomes a family.

“It’s more than a club, it’s more than netball, and it’s more than a sport.

“We’re looked after as athletes, yes, but also as people at the club. And that’s something that means a lot to me.”

VIXENS’ DEFENSIVE END LOCKED DOWN

The Melbourne Vixens have re-signed premiership-winning goalkeeper Emily Mannix to secure an iron-clad defensive end for 2022.

The signing of Mannix comes just 24 hours after the Vixens confirmed the return of fellow defender Jo Weston, handing the team an enviable defensive end and locking in four of the top players in the league after the re-signing of co-captains Liz Watson and Kate Moloney earlier in the week.

“I love playing with Jo down back,” Mannix said.

“The two of us know each other’s game really well and I can’t wait to continue building our partnership out on court.”

The goal keeper suffered a fractured knuckle in round 4 this year, and was forced to the sideline for three games.

“Playing for the Vixens is such an honour, and I’m really excited to have signed again, and to be part of this next phase and group that we’re building,” said Mannix.

“This year was obviously frustrating for me personally with injury, but it’s given me even more motivation to play my role next year and hopefully take it all the way as a team.”

SUPER MUM BRANDLEY BACK FOR GIANTS

Giants Netball have retained another of their grand final players, locking in super mum and outstanding defender April Brandley for two more years.

After joining the Giants as a replacement player in 2020, Brandley has spent much of the past two years on the road with her young family, including husband Jason and son Clay as the Super Netball competition hubbed in various locations around the country due to Covid lockdowns.

But it has not stopped the defender from playing some of the best netball of her career.

And she is excited to return, believing the Giants are on the cusp of something special.

“I’m really looking forward to hitting the court with the Giants again next season and I get really excited looking at what’s ahead for our team,” Brandley said.

“The club have been incredible with the support they’ve shown my family and myself in making the transition from motherhood to getting back on court.

“I feel grateful to be in a place where I’m really enjoying my netball, so I’m very much looking forward to what we can continue to build in 2022.”

Brandley’s signing follows on from the club locking in Diamonds midcourter Jamie-Lee Price for two years.

SWIFTS CAPTAINS LOCKED IN FOR TWO MORE YEARS

Two time premiership winning captaincy duo Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud have signed on with the Swifts for another two seasons.

Just weeks after securing the NSW side it’s 7th title, the leaders said staying put was an easy choice for them both.

“I have loved being a part of the Swifts since moving from Adelaide after Suncorp Super Netball replaced the ANZ Championship and have really found a home in Sydney,” Proud said.

“With Briony (Akle) at the helm and sharing the captaincy with Paigey, I have learned so much about the Swifts teams of the past and I think we’ve given ourselves a great shot to continue their legacy.

“It’s a bloody great club with top people on court, off court, in the stands and wherever people tune in from around NSW and further afield.

“The Swifts have also given me the platform to make the Diamonds squad and now I want to take my game to the next level. I’m up for it and the Swifts are up for it, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Signing up for her 11th and 12th seasons in the white and red, Hadley was equally thrilled to be staying where she is.

“I love the Swifts and I am passionate about what we have created over the past number of years, and where we can go in the coming seasons,” Hadley said.

“I am proud to not just play with a brilliant bunch of teammates, but also represent a club which means so much to so many people all over NSW and beyond.

“2022 will be my 11th year with the Swifts and having been on the road for so much of the last two years I can’t wait to play at home again in front of my family, friends and of course our Swifts fans.

LIGHTNING FAVOURITE MAKES TOUGH CAREER CHOICE

Maddy McAuliffe says the decision to reject a contract offer from the Sunshine Coast Lightning to concentrate on a career outside netball is one of the toughest decisions she’s ever had to make.

The Lightning foundation player, who won titles with the club in the first two years of Super Netball, will take time out from the game to concentrate on a career in the legal field.

“I feel incredibly privileged to be offered another contract at Lightning for the 2022 season and I thank the club for that, but this year I’ve made one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” McAuliffe said.

“Essentially the decision was either to continue playing netball or to focus on my non-netball professional career – and while it was a really tough choice for me to make, I have chosen to appreciate the five years I’ve had at the club and move onto the next phase of my life.”

Lightning coach Kylee Byrne said McAuliffe has left a remarkable impact in her time at the club.

‘We knew the day would come that one of our five-year foundation players wouldn’t be a part of our playing future but it doesn’t make it any easier when it actually happens,” Byrne said.

“After coaching Maddy since she was seventeen, I personally am so proud of everything she has accomplished, whether it was on the court or establishing her connections with her teammates, our staff and our community.”

ANOTHER BIG NAME BACK FOR VIXENS

The Melbourne Vixens have taken another step towards returning to the Super Netball finals, locking in dual premiership-winning defender Jo Weston.

After winning a premiership in her maiden Vixens campaign, Weston again tasted success in 2020 and believes the club can be a force again next season despite taking the wooden spoon this year.

“I’m so proud to have been involved with the Vixens for so long now, and to be signing on again in 2022,” Weston said.

“Every game is an honour to represent Victoria and Melbourne, and I’m really looking forward to what we can bring as a team next year.

“I know that with the team we’re building, we’re going to be in a good position to bounce back in 2022.”

Weston is the third player to be locked in by the Vixens, with the return of co-captains Liz Watson and Kate Moloney announced earlier this week.

Currently in Perth with the Diamonds squad preparing for Australia’s series against England, Weston is keen to add to her international caps after competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 World Cup.

One of the most dominant defenders in the competition, Weston is mixing her on-court skills with advocacy off it – as a member of the Vixens’ leadership group and in her role as president of the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA).

Negotiating with Netball Australia, ANPA recently delivered a landmark agreement for Super Netball players that maintains their status as the country’s best-paid female athletes.

“Going in to my ninth season, I’ve definitely seen the game grow in a lot of aspects,” Weston said. “We’re stepping into a new phase of the sport that I really hope will help lift the profile of all our athletes, and women’s sport in general.”

THUNDERBIRDS LOSE INTERNATIONAL DEFENDER

South African international Shadine van der Merwe will leave the Adelaide Thunderbirds after three years in South Australia.

Initially signed as an injury replacement player in 2019, van der Merwe eventually played 36 games in the pink dress after becoming part of the permanent squad for the past two years.

The 28-year-old, who has played 47 Tests for the Proteas, said she had loved every minute of her time in the league.

“I’ve met special people, made friends for life and played my best netball,” van der Merwe said.

“It’s been a dream to be here, playing against the best in the world and seeing the passion and hard work that goes into our wonderful sport. 

“I want to thank the coaching and management team, the incredible fans and most importantly, my wonderful teammates – thank you for taking me into your hearts and being so kind, I will miss you all.”

Van der Merwe’s departure opens up a defensive spot for the Thunderbirds, who are looking to return to the finals in 2022 having not finished higher than seventh since the inception of Super Netball.

STAR GIANT MAKES CONTRACT PLANS OFFICIAL

Jamie-Lee Price has committed to the Giants for another two seasons.

The star midcourter is coming off a brilliant season for the Giants, in which she ranked second in the competition for net points, which is the league’s stats-based scoring system.

Price finished the 2021 season with 366 feeds, 278 goal assists and 22 intercepts.

“I’m really thrilled to extend my time at the Giants,” Price said.

“I’m super excited for the next couple of years – 2021 was a great year for us as a group and I can’t wait to build on from the year that was.”

Price will spend the first part of her off-season working with the Diamonds ahead of international clashes with England and New Zealand.

FEVER RE-SIGN STAR INTERNATIONALS

WEST Coast Fever have kicked off their Super Netball contract period with two massive signings, locking in bookends Courtney Bruce and Jhaniele Fowler for two more years.

With the re-signings, the Fever have retained two of the best players in the competition and shown they will remain genuine premiership threats in coach Dan Ryan’s first year at the helm.

Fever captain Bruce, who is set to rack up 100 games in the green dress next season, said there was “nowhere else I’d rather be” and was thrilled to re-sign for another two seasons.

“I’m excited to be entering my 11th year at the club that has helped shape me into the player and person that I am,” the goalkeeper said.

“I’m excited to see where we can go as a club and continue to grow and build towards a premiership.”

Plenty of rumours had surrounded the future of Fowler, arguably the best goaler in world netball and the top import in the league.

But the Jamaican captain, who has won Super Netball MVP honours for the past three seasons, said she was happy to be back with the Fever.

“There’s a lot more work that I need to get done, not only with the team but for myself and I am really happy to be doing that at the Fever,” she said.

Fowler and Bruce were among those who powered the club to Super Netball grand finals in 2018 and 2020 and set an enviable regular season record with the club last year.

WATSON TO RETURN FOR VIXENS AFTER INJURY-RIDDLED SEASON

The Melbourne Vixens have locked in premiership-winning Liz Watson, with the world’s best wing attack set to resume her midcourt partnership with fellow co-captain Kate Moloney next season.

Watson missed the entire 2021 season following surgery on her foot to repair a fractured navicular bone and is still completing rehab, meaning she will miss the Diamonds’ series against England if it goes ahead.

But in great news for Vixens fans, Watson will complete a full pre-season and is set to be on court from the start of next season to help the club climb from the bottom of the ladder.

The 27-year-old agrees with coach Simone McKinnis’s assessment the team can bounce back quickly from its horror 2021 season to reclaim a place among the league’s top teams.

“I think we definitely have the group to do it – we saw last season how great it was and the success we had,” Watson said of the club’s 2020 Super Netball premiership.

“Things didn’t go the way we would have liked this season but I think we’ve still got a strong core group that’s been at the Vixens for a while now.

“I think next year that core group’s committed to the club and Simone’s committed to the team as well, so there’s definitely success there, it’s just how we can bring it out next season.”

Watson becomes the second Vixens player to recommit to the club after her co-captain Kate Moloney was announced yesterday.

SWIFTS LOSE TWO-TIME PREMIERSHIP WINNER

DUAL premiership winner Nat Haythornthwaite will leave the NSW Swifts to return to England after four years in Australia.

The midcourter joined the Swifts midway through the 2018 season as an injury replacement and has enjoyed great success in her 37-game Super Netball career, playing a key part in the club’s 2019 and 2021 premiership runs.

The 28-year-old will continue her career in England after returning following the Roses’ scheduled series with the Australian Diamonds next month.

Due to be married in December, Haythornthwaite left her fiance in England while she competed in Australia and has seen little of family and friends over the past two years due to Covid.

“After these past few years I am really excited to be going home, getting married, seeing my family and playing some more netball,” Haythornthwaite said.

“But I also can’t wait to cheer on the Swifts late at night on the TV.

“I’ve loved the journey but now it’s time to head home.”

Swifts coach Briony Akle thanked Haythornthwaite for her contribution to the club.

“At the Swifts we try to instil a culture of good people making great players and Natalie is one of the best on both counts,” she said.

“She has spent a huge amount of time away from her fiance and family in very tough circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that never changed her professional and team-first approach which was hugely valued by everyone at the club.

“We completely understand her decision to go back to the UK and she does so with two titles under her belt. That’s a pretty great return for a very special individual.”

Scroll down to see all the Super Netball signings.

MOLONEY RE-SIGNS TO RACK UP A DECADE AT VIXENS

Champion midcourter Kate Moloney will rack up a decade at the Vixens after becoming the first player to re-sign with the club for 2022.

Co-captain Moloney, who has played 126 Super Netball and Trans-Tasman league matches for the club since making her debut in 2013, won the club’s most valuable player gong last season in a difficult year for the club.

The Vixens are adamant they can bounce back from their wooden spoon season to reach the finals again next season with the right recruitment moves and having already locked in coach Simone McKinnis for the next four years, making Moloney their first signing is a show of strength.

“I’m so excited to have signed on with the Vixens, and to be coming into my tenth year at the club,” Moloney said.

“I absolutely love the Vixens and everything the team, from players to staff, stands for so this was a no-brainer for me.

“We’ve taken a lot of learnings from this year, and I know we’re going to put that into our efforts for the 2022 season – starting now. We’re eyeing off the trophy.”

Moloney is currently in Perth with fellow Victorian Diamonds players, preparing for Australia’s series against the England Roses, which is yet to be confirmed.

The Vixens’ second signing will be revealed tomorrow

DIAMONDS SHOOTER SOPHIE GARBIN FREE AGENT AFTER LEAVING SWIFTS

Diamonds goaler Sohpie Garbin is looking for a new home after the NSW Swifts confirmed the two-time premiership winner would not return to the club in 2022.

The announcement is the biggest yet of the 2022 trade period where all Super Netball players are off contract.

The 24-year-old, who has shone for the Swifts in limited time on court behind international shooters Sam Wallace and Helen Housby, has decided to take up a contract elsewhere to ensure she’s a regular starting player.

It is not yet known where Garbin will land in 2022.

But she will not be quickly forgotten at the Swifts, where she made 49 appearances and a mark on the club from her debut match in 2018 in which she turned in a stellar performance against former Diamonds captain Laura Geitz.

Garbin, who won premierships with the Swifts in 2019 and 2021, said it had been an honour to play for the club.

“I will be forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had since joining four years ago,” Garbin said.

“A lot of players don’t get the chance to win a premiership and I’ve been lucky enough to win two in my time at the Swifts.

“The decision to leave has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make but I would like to thank everyone at the club, its supporters and Netball NSW for an amazing four years.”

Swifts coach Briony Akle wished Garbin all the best for her next chapter.

“Sophie has been a pleasure to work with and while we are sad to see her go, we understand her decision,” Akle said.

“The nature of professional sport means that players always come and go but … I would like to wish her all the best for what’s next and look forward to a great match-up next season.”

Scroll down to see full team lists and changes.

SUPER NETBALL CONTRACT PERIOD

The season is over, the CPA deal is sorted so now it’s time for clubs to start confirming their rosters for 2022.

Last week Netball Australia confirmed a landmark new pay deal for all players in the Super Netball tournament, now it’s time for the eight clubs to confirm their line-ups for next season.

With Super Netball’s franchise agreement for all clubs expiring at the end of the 2021 season before clubs were renewed, all player and high performance (coaching and support staff) contracts expired in September, leading to an off-season contract frenzy.

SIGNING PERIOD

From Monday September 6 clubs have had exclusive rights to re-sign players already on their rosters.

Clubs can also sign any of their existing permanent or temporary replacement players or training partners to be included in their 10 contracted final squad players.

Players can only be signed on a one or two-year contract.

Contracts are then sent to Netball Australia to be registered, with player announcements expected from September 13.

Clubs can also sign any player who was not contracted to another club, as a squad member, replacement player or a training partner.

Clubs have also been able to initiate conversations with squad players, permanent or temporary replacement players or training partners from other clubs but contracts cannot be signed until Monday 13 September.

FREE AGENCY PERIOD

The contract signing period for all free agents is from 13 September 2021 until 8 October 2021.

On Friday 8 October 2021 all teams must have signed contracts for their 10 squad players for the 2022 season.

Contracts be signed on a one-year contract for the 2022 season or a two-year contract for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

CLUBS

NSW Swifts

2021 finish: Premiers

Coach: Briony Akle

2021 squad: Sophie Garbin, Paige Hadley, Nat Haythornthwaite, Helen Housby, Sarah Klau, Lauren Moore, Maddy Proud, Maddy Turner, Sam Wallace, Tayla Fraser.

Gains: Maddy Proud, Paige Hadley (re-signed 2023)

Losses: Sophie Garbin, Nat Haythornthwaite

Signing rumours: Coach Briony Akle is the club’s first target, with the coach team keen to lock in the coach that has led the club to two premierships in the past three years.

After sealing the 2021 title, Akle said she was keen to keep her group together to build on the success they have managed in recent seasons.

Big questions: Can the Swifts retain three quality shooters? Sam Wallace, Helen Housby and Sophie Garbin formed a magnificent trio in the circle for the Swifts but will Diamonds squad member Garbin look for a new home to ensure a starting spot?

Giants Netball

2021 finish: Minor premiers, runners-up

Coach: Julie Fitzgerald (Unsigned)

2021 squad: April Brandley, Sophie Dwyer, Jo Harten, Maddie Hay, Kristiana Manu’a, Matilda McDonnell, Amy Parmenter, Sam Poolman, Jamie-Lee Price, Kiera Austin (injured), Matisse Letherbarrow (injury replacement).

Gains: Jamie-Lee Price, April Brandley (2023)

Losses: Sam Poolman (retirement), Kristiana Manu’a (Central Pulse, NZ)

Signing rumours: The Giants are on the hunt for defenders after losing both Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a since the grand final. Poolman announced her retirement on Sunday, while Manu’a will link with the Central Pulse in New Zealand’s ANZ Championship.

Big questions: Teen ace Sophie Dwyer showed she can handle the heat as a starting goaler after stepping up in the absence of the injured Kiera Austin from the opening game of the season. Big with Austin set to return to partner Jo Harten, will Dwyer remain in the orange dress? Jamie-Lee Price is staying at the club after signing a two-year deal.

West Coast Fever

2021 finish: Third

Coach: Dan Ryan

2021 squad: Jess Anstiss, Sunday Aryang, Courtney Bruce, Verity Charles, Emma Cosh, Jhaniele Fowler, Stacey Francis, Sasha Glasgow, Olivia Lewis, Alice Teague-Neeld

Gains: Dan Ryan (coach), Courtney Bruce (re-signed 2023), Jhaniele Fowler (re-signed 2023), Verity Charles (re-signed 2023)

Losses: Stacey Marinkovich (Diamonds program)

Signing rumours: The Fever have signed former Adelaide Thunderbirds head coach and Australian men’s netball captain Dan Ryan from the English Super League as head coach to succeed Australian mentor Stacey Marinkovich, who has left the club to join the Diamonds full-time.

Big questions: After the signing of Dan Ryan from Leeds, will star goaler Donnell Wallam follow on a full contract? The rising shooter was already a member of the Fever’s extended squad in 2021 despite playing in the English Super League for the Rhinos.

Sunshine Coast Lightning

2021 finish: Fourth

Coach: Kylee Byrne (locked in until 2023)

2021 squad: Mahalia Cassidy, Cara Koenen, Phumza Maweni, Maddy McAuliffe, Kara Pretorius, Peace Proscovia, Laura Scherian, Kate Shimmin, Steph Wood, Ashlee Unie (injured), Maddison Hinchliffe (temporary replacement player), Binnian Hunt (temporary replacement player).

Gains: N/A

Losses: Phumza Maweni, Peace Proscovia, Binnian Hunt (Pulse, NZ), Maddy McAuliffe (legal career)

Signing rumours: The Lightning announced at its presentation night that goaler Peace Proscovia and defender Phumza Maweni would not be returning to the club, confirming rumours on the departure of the internationals and opening a spot at each end of the court.

Big questions: Will the Lightning look to internationals to replace Maweni and Proscovia or promote from within? Another international defender is rumoured to be on the Lightning radar.

Queensland Firebirds

2021 finish: Fifth

Coach: Megan Anderson

2021 squad: Romelda Aiken, Gretel Bueta, Lara Dunkley, Tippah Dwan, Rudi Ellis, Tara Hinchliffe, Kim Jenner, Jemma Mi Mi, Kim Ravaillion, Gabi Simpson

Gains: Kim Ravaillion (re-signed 2023)

Losses: N/A

Signing rumours: Little change expected at the Firebirds with their relatively settled squad expected to be among the big movers in 2022 if they can stay injury free.

Big questions: Will Tippah Dwan stay in Brisbane? After a breakout season in 2020, Dwan stayed at the club to play with mentor Gretel Bueta but it may be time for her to spread her wings if she wants to be a regular starter. With Kaylia Stanton’s departure from the Vixens confirmed, could Dwan move to Melbourne?

Collingwood Magpies

2021 finish: Sixth

Coach: Nicole Richardson (locked in until 2023)

2021 squad: Melissa Bragg, Ash Brazill, Kelsey Browne, Molly Jovic, Kalifa McCollin, Geva Mentor, Shimona Nelson, Jacqui Newton, Gabrielle Sinclair, Jodi-Ann Ward

Gains: N/A

Losses: N/A

Signing rumours: Little talk coming out of the Magpies, except for their excitement at a new season after pushing from wooden spooners to finals contenders in the past 12 months.

Big questions: Kalifa McCollin took some time to settle into the pace of Super League last season and her place could be under pressure if the Magpies decide to look for other options to support Shimona Nelson in the circle.

Adelaide Thunderbirds

2021 finish: Seventh

Coach: Tania Obst

2021 squad: Matilda Garrett, Sam Gooden, Georgie Horjus, Elle McDonald, Maisie Nankivell, Hannah Petty, Lenize Potgieter, Shamera Sterling, Shadine van der Merwe, LaTanya Wilson

Gains: N/A

Losses: Shadine van der Merwe (released)

Signing rumours: After a difficult two years due to Covid, questions surround the continued involvement of all the international players, with rumours swirling some are looking to end their time in Australia.

Big questions: The Thunderbirds’ youth policy is starting to pay off but can they keep their entire squad together to capitalise on the growth of players who are starting to become experienced Super Netball campaigners?

Melbourne Vixens

2021 finish: Eighth

Coach: Simone McKinnis (locked in until 2025)

2021 squad: Ruby Barkmeyer, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Kate Eddy, Mwai Kumwenda, Emily Mannix, Kate Moloney, Allie Smith, Kaylia Stanton, Jo Weston, Liz Watson (injured), Hannah Mundy (temporary replacement player)

Gains: Kate Moloney, Liz Watson, Jo Weston, Emily Mannix (re-signed)

Losses: Kaylia Stanton (released)

Signing rumours: The Vixens are on the hunt for a goal attack and after announcing on Sunday that Kaylia Stanton would not return in 2022, have made roster room for a new goaler. Several teams have great depth in their goal circles, with the likes of the Firebirds’ Tippah Dwan, Giants’ Sophie Dwyer and Swifts’ Sophie Garbin all capable of holding down a starting spot.

Big questions: The Vixens’ defence was stellar again in 2021 despite their wooden spoon finish but can they hold on to three international circle defenders in 2022 with defenders in demand after the confirmed departures of Phumza Maweni (Sunshine Coast) and Sam Poolman (Giants)?

Originally published as Super Netball contract signing 2021: Free agency and done deals