As the Super Netball season races towards its climax, the competition on the court is as fierce as ever. With just two weeks remaining before the finals, the West Coast Fever have surged to the top of the ladder, marking their 10th consecutive victory by defeating the Sunshine Coast Lightning 69-54. Meanwhile, the NSW Swifts faced an unexpected setback, falling to the Melbourne Mavericks 68-64, causing them to slip to second place after a series of tough matches.
This season has seen both the Swifts and the Fever enjoy significant winning streaks, with the Swifts initially going undefeated until round nine. The Fever, on the other hand, found their rhythm after the return of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, who has been instrumental in their success, scoring 600 goals in just 10 games. Her impact has been so profound that the Fever are now considered the favorites for the premiership, a title previously held by the Swifts.
Survey Reveals Player Mistrust in National Sporting Body
Off the court, a significant development has emerged with the release of an anonymous survey by the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA). The survey, the first of its kind, highlights a deep-seated mistrust among players towards Netball Australia. This annual survey aims to guide ANPA’s support strategies and ensure player voices are heard, with nearly every athlete in the Super Netball system participating.
The survey revealed that while over half of the players accessed mental health support services last year, a concerning 67% reported feeling mentally or emotionally drained due to the demands of elite netball. Additionally, 56% found balancing their professional and personal lives challenging, suggesting a need for a reassessment of player workloads.
Only 12% of players felt comfortable raising concerns with Netball Australia, and 32% who had done so previously felt their issues were ignored or dismissed.
This mistrust is further compounded by financial concerns, with 69% of athletes expressing worries about salary equity and job stability. The survey follows recent controversies, including an investigation into Remi Kamo’s experiences at the Queensland Firebirds and a bitter pay dispute in late 2023.
ANPA CEO Kathryn Harby-Williams emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, stating, “The results staring us in the face are real and … I think you learn more from those that aren’t at the level you’d hoped, because they’re the areas you can address and hopefully see improvements in.”
Jo Harten Joins the 200 Club
Amidst the ongoing challenges, Jo Harten has reached a significant milestone, joining the prestigious 200-game club. Harten, a key player for the Giants, has had an illustrious career, representing teams like the Tactix and Magic during the trans-Tasman and Super Netball eras. Her achievements include winning gold with the Roses at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and receiving an MBE for her contributions to English netball.
Harten’s journey began in 2012, and she has since become a cornerstone of the Giants, leading them to two minor premierships and grand final appearances. Reflecting on her career, Harten expressed her admiration for fellow netball legend Sharelle McMahon, saying, “Sharelle was my idol growing up… to be named alongside someone like her, it’s really special.”
“I think I’m just going to play this season and then see what happens,” Harten said, hinting at a possible retirement.
Despite battling a knee injury that led to her international retirement, Harten remains a vital presence on the court. Her future plans may include coaching, a path she has already begun exploring with the Giants.
Looking Ahead
As the Super Netball season draws to a close, the focus will be on the upcoming finals and the ongoing efforts to improve player welfare and trust in the sport’s governing bodies. The ANPA continues to advocate for longer playing contracts to provide athletes with greater financial stability.
Meanwhile, Jo Harten’s potential retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. The next few weeks will be crucial for both the teams vying for the championship and the players contemplating their futures.
With the official contracting window for 2025 opening after the Super Netball Grand Final on August 2, the landscape of the league could see significant changes. As the season reaches its thrilling conclusion, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how these stories unfold.
