Sydney derby ‘will take up some nervous energy’IT certainly will be highly anticipated but Susan Pettitt says she will breathe a sigh of relief when the first-ever Giants-Swifts local netball derby is over.
Melbourne’s newest rivalry has arrivedAS Australian netball prepares to launch into a new era, Melbourne Vixens will have to share the spotlight with the city’s new kid on the block, Collingwood.
Queensland women picked in Diamonds squadFOUR Queensland-based netballers have earned selection in the Australian Diamonds squad for the tour of South Africa and England early next year.
T-birds happy flying under radarTHUNDERBIRDS captain Erin Bell believes flying under the radar will give Adelaide an edge in the revamped national netball league.
Vixens relief as Philip gets back to businessGOAL attack Tegan Philip is ready to launch into the start of pre-season training when the Melbourne Vixens hit the court for their first session on Friday.
Fast5: netball’s new frontierINTERNATIONAL netball chiefs have outlined plans for a future Fast5 world championship, viewing the modified format as the perfect tool to take the game to new markets.
Kiwis sink Australia in Fast5 finalAUSTRALIA remains without a Fast5 World Series crown after being sunk by New Zealand and its sharp-shooting star Maria Tutaia in Sunday’s Grand Final.
Unbeaten Aussies storm into Fast5 finalAUSTRALIA has finished its Fast5 World Series group games undefeated to march into the final after wins over England and South Africa.
Changes could help netball: Aussie coachFAST5 is the T20 version of netball, with two and three-point goals on offer. Aussie coach Jane Searle believes the traditional game could do worse than following suit with some rule changes.
Diamonds poised to claim maiden Fast5 crownAUSTRALIA survived a three-point scoring onslaught from New Zealand sharp shooter Maria Tutaia to emerge unbeaten on day one of the Fast5 world series.
Diamonds chasing one elusive titleTHE all-conquering Australian Diamonds will host the Fast5 world series title this weekend — and they have special motivation to claim the title.
RugbyThe huge dilemma for sport’s glamour coupleNEWLY engaged New Zealand netball star Maria Tutaia admits she and Wallabies beau Israel Folau still face a big conversation about crossing the Tasman for love.
Diamonds spots on line at Fast5AUSTRALIAN netballers hoping to claim the Fast5 World Series title on home soil this weekend will also be playing for a spot in the Diamonds squad.
Sydney blockbuster opens netball seasonSYDNEY’S newest sporting rivalry will be ignited in the very first game of the new national netball league kicking off in February.
Fever face Adelaide in NNL openerTHE West Coast Fever will renew a growing rivalry with Adelaide in a testing road assignment to open the new National Netball League next season.
Magpie Madi to face Vixens earlyCOLLINGWOOD’S Madi Robinson will face off against her old side in the new national netball league in Round 1 — and she’s ready for the talk and emotion.
Birds fired up by derby challengeDEFENDING champions the Firebirds will face new Queensland rivals Sunshine Coast in a Saturday night blockbuster to open their new National Netball League campaign.
Diamonds to zero in on next leaderCLARE McMeniman is hanging up her bib, so coach Lisa Alexander must find a successor for the Australian Diamonds acting captain. So who will it be?
Diamonds retain Constellation CupAUSTRALIA has continued its recent domination of arch-rival New Zealand after winning the fourth and final Constellation Cup Test in Invercargill.
Pettitt to captain Aussies at Fast5 netball seriesSYDNEY shooter Susan Pettitt says it will be “special” to lead Australia at the Fast5 World Series after being confirmed as captain of the local team.
Diamonds ready for netball ‘grand final’DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander has instructed players to treat the final of the Constellation Cup as a grand final as the Australians chase their sixth trophy in seven years.
McMeniman hopes to bow out a winnerRETIRING Diamonds’ captain Clare McMeniman has urged her teammates to finish off their campaign with their “best performance” for the year in her last game for Australia.
Perfect Diamonds not requiredAUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander has told her charges she doesn’t expect them to produce a “perfect’ performance in their final international of the year against New Zealand on Thursday.
Diamonds must improve to seal series winDESPITE a dominant win over the Silver Ferns, Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander says the team must improve to seal a Constellation Cup series victory in Invercargill.
Teammates key to Bassett successSTAR goaler Caitlin Bassett has attributed career-best shooting form to greater supply and team defence after smashing her top international score for the second time this year.
Bassett fires as Diamonds bounce backCAITLIN Bassett hit all 16 of her side’s final-quarter goals as the Diamonds bounced back from their shock loss in Hobart to trounce the Silver Ferns 62-50 in Auckland.
Silver Ferns shock DiamondsAUSTRALIA have faltered in game two of the Constellation Cup, falling in a thriller 53-51 to New Zealand in their netball Test in Launceston.
Alexander: Silver Ferns to ‘hit back hard’DISAPPOINTMENT will see the Silver Ferns “hit back hard” in the second match of the Constellation Cup but coach Lisa Alexander says her side is ready for the backlash.
Bassett flawless as Diamonds shineA flawless shooting display from sharpshooter Caitlin Bassett has helped the Diamonds secure first blood in the four-test Constellation Cup against New Zealand.
Diamonds netball: The numbers gameTHEY are one of Australia’s most popular and successful sporting teams and they are on the hunt for more glory this month. The Diamonds numbers game.
Diamonds ready for World Cup rematchDIAMONDS captain Clare McMeniman says nothing brings out the best in an Australian athlete quite like playing New Zealand.
Diamonds bracing for close encounterDIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander is predicting one of the best ever series between Australia and New Zealand when the Constellation Cup kicks off in Sydney on Sunday.
Swifts guns reunite for Fast 5 netballOLD teammates Paige Hadley, Susan Pettitt and Caitlin Thwaites will be briefly reunited as part of a team hoping to complete an impressive trifecta for Australian netball.
Diamonds star Medhurst re-signs with FeverSTAR Australia Diamonds goal attack Nat Medhurst has re-signed with the West Coast Fever, but the Perth club face an uphill battle to qualify for finals.
Storm can inspire Lightning, says MentorSUNSHINE Coast Lightning recruit Geva Mentor believes the Melbourne Storm-backed team can learning plenty about building a strong culture from the NRL club.
Brown: Why I’m leaving Fever for ‘PiesHAVING been one of West Coast Fever’s heart-and-soul players for the best part of a decade, Shae Brown has revealed why she’s leaving for Collingwood.
Old faces and new rivals add spiceKATE Moloney can’t wait for Melbourne Vixens’ new national netball league rivalry with Collingwood to develop, saying it will be great for the sport in Victoria.
Gretel backs changing of guard at FirebirdsGRETEL Tippett says the Queensland Firebirds’ attack needs to take their game to even greater heights next season.
Swifts coach: We’ll build new fanbaseCOACH Rob Wright admits the NSW Swifts could also lose their fanbase after losing their biggest stars to Australian netball’s three new expansion sides.
We won’t fear anyone: VixensUNDETERRED by the emergence of a new, cashed-up cross-town rival, Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis says her side will still be a force in the new-look national netball league.
Lightning sign Bassett, WoodTHE Melbourne Storm-backed Sunshine Coast Lightning netball side has scored a recruiting coup with Diamonds shooters Caitlin Bassett and Stephanie Wood unveiled as the inaugural signings.
How Firebirds kept poachers at bayFIREBIRDS superstar Romelda Aiken reveals how the defending champions managed to retain four starters for the new national netball league.
Collingwood unveil netball ‘super team’THE worst kept secret in Australian netball has been confirmed with Collingwood revealing a super team the envy of arguably ever foreign netball nation.
Magpies reveal all-star cast for netball debutCOLLINGWOOD officially launched their new netball team with a glitzy unveiling on Wednesday, revealing their logo and Diamond-encrusted line-up.
Youngster ready to fill Geitz’s big shoesLAURA by name will need to be Laura by nature if the Queensland Firebirds are any chance of securing an unprecented title hat-trick.
Caitlyn stays with FirebirdsPOCKET rocket Caitlyn Nevins says the cutting-edge coaching of Roselee Jencke and the winning Firebirds culture made it a no-brainer to recommit to Queensland for the next two years.
League delay no reason for Fever exitsSTACEY Rosman doesn’t believe the delay in setting up the national netball league contributed to the expected departure of star talent at the West Coast Fever.
Storm exec poised to jump-start LightningSUNSHINE Coast Lightning CEO Danielle Smith says the new girls on netball’s block plan to be competitive from the start.
McMeniman to call it quits after Kiwi seriesDIAMONDS acting skipper Clare McMeniman will officially retire after leading Australia in next month’s four-Test Constellation Cup series against New Zealand
Pay deal rewards netball top gunsNETBALL Australia says its landmark pay deal reinforces the sport’s status as the leading female sports code in the country.
Robinson departs Vixens with heavy heartMIDCOURT star Madi Robinson said it was tough to leave Melbourne Vixens, but she has no regrets.
Firebirds to keep squad coreTHE Firebirds have conceded defeat in the race for star centre Kim Ravaillion but remain confident of keeping a majority of their championship-winning squad intact.
Netball trumps AFL as wage war heats upAUSTRALIAN netballers are in the money with a new pay deal dwarfing contracts offered in the new women’s AFL competition.
Diamonds changes for Silver Ferns rematchCHANGES have been made to the Diamonds as coach Lisa Alexander prepares for a New Zealand backlash in Sydney.
Weston, Tippett come in for DiamondsAUSTRALIA will make just two changes to its line-up for next month’s Constellation Cup, with Jo Weston and Gretel Tippett earning call-ups.
International flavour for T-BirdsENGLISH import Jade Clarke soon will be joined by Jamaican captain Malysha Kelly in the Adelaide Thunderbirds team for the new national netball league.
Geitz joins new Diamonds clubLISA Alexander has lost almost an entire team to a Diamonds baby boom with captain Laura Geitz the latest to hit the sidelines as an expectant mum.
Diamonds edge Ferns to take Quad SeriesAUSTRALIA have added the Netball Quad Series trophy to their bulging cabinet after holding off New Zealand 60-55 in the thrilling decider in Melbourne.
Young Diamonds face test of mettleAUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander has made the startling admission New Zealand should be considered favourites ahead today’s netball Test.
Madi’s message for Diamonds ahead of deciderMIDCOURT star Madi Robinson says the Diamonds must work harder together if they are to seal a quad series victory against arch rival New Zealand.
Exposure polishes Diamond WatsonMELBOURNE Vixens midcourter Liz Watson says her international exposure is bringing out the best in her game as she prepares to hit the court for the Diamonds on Sunday.
Vixens poised to overlook BaileyMELBOURNE Vixens’ attack is set to have a different look next season with experienced goaler Karyn Bailey looking for a new club for the start of the new national netball league.
Australian Diamonds thump England RosesTHE Australian Diamonds have made it two from two in the quad series, handing the England Roses a hammering in Adelaide.
Diamond back in from the coldWHEN Diamonds midcourter Madi Robinson earned MVP honours on return from almost two years in the international wilderness she completed one of netball’s great comebacks.
Netball knocks rule change on headA CONTROVERSIAL rule to reward shooters with two-point shots from a special zone has been ruled out for the 2017 national netball league.
Manu’a always a Diamond at heartHOW appropriate that promising defender Kristiana Manu'a should make her debut for the Australian Diamonds in New Zealand — she had the choice of playing for each.
Netball audition for top gunsAUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander says the Quad international netball series is a real time job audition for the new national netball league which will debut in February.
Diamonds debutants give polished performanceKRISTIANA Manu’a described it as “awesome” and Steph Wood as “cool” as they made their Diamonds debut in Australia’s first outing of the netball Quad series.
Diamonds make perfect startA dominant offensive display from Diamonds shooters Caitlin Bassett and Caitlin Thwaites has led Australia to a 68-43 win over South Africa.
Storm brewing on Sunshine CoastSUNSHINE Coast Lightning coach Noeline Taurua has lofty first-year ambitions, a recruiting hit-list and a desire to go head-to-head with new derby rival, the Firebirds.
T-birds won’t swap to Crows’ nestThe AFL will struggle to convince any Adelaide Thunderbirds to switch sporting allegiance and play in the new women’s football league.
Fever midcourter gets talent camp inviteWEST Coast Fever’s Verity Simmons has been rewarded for a stellar season with an invite for Netball Australia’s Fast5 and Emerging Talent Camp this month.
Robinson crowned top VixenMELBOURNE Vixens captain Madi Robinson received more recognition for her stunning return from injury in 2016 after claiming her second Sharelle McMahon medal last night.
Aiken named Firebirds Player of the YearROMELDA Aiken may have endured a rollercoaster grand final but her excellence throughout the season was rewarded with the Firebirds 2016 Player of the Year award.
Silver Ferns star snares NSW Swifts MVPIT’S about the only time Australian netballer Sharni Layton doesn’t mind being beaten by a New Zealander.
Nevins joins Diamonds’ Bird brigadeDIAMONDS debutant Caitlyn Nevins says her elevation to the Australian squad is all the more special because she will be surrounded by Firebirds teammates.
Excited Madi to rejoin DiamondsMIDCOURT star Madi Robinson admits she felt relieved when she was named in the Australian team after her “long wait” to rejoin the Diamonds’ fold.
Firebirds’ party remains in full swingWELL that was quite an emotional and physical rollercoaster, wasn’t it. And the crazy ride has not stopped. Laura Geitz reflects on the Firebirds’ epic grand final win.
Pies cast talent net far and wideNEW Collingwood coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell says the club will scour the country for the best players for its start-up side, including those on rivals Melbourne Vixens’ list.
Keep your hands off our game: JenckeTRIPLE championship-winning Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke has a message for the architects of Australia’s new national netball competition — hands off our game.
Pies poised to swoop on FirebirdsSUPERCLUB Collingwood are set to launch a poaching raid on Firebirds’ stars Gretel Tippett, Kim Ravaillion and captain Laura Geitz.
Taurua set to coach Storm’s netball teamMELBOURNE Storm is expected to announce on Tuesday that leading New Zealand mentor Noeline Taurua will be the inaugural coach of its Queensland-based netball team.
‘The worst game I’ve ever played in netball’MEMORIES of the seesawing grand final against the Swifts, which ended in a Firebirds victory, were bitter sweet for star shooter Romelda Aiken.
Coach praises Aiken’s tenacityFIREBIRDS coach Roselee Jencke says Romelda Aiken showed the heart of a champion to bury crippling shooting “yips” and deliver when it mattered most.
Nervous moments but Aiken deliversWITH the clock counting down - four seconds, three, two - Romelda Aiken gazed at the goal ring and let the ball go.
In the end, Firebirds kept the faithFAITH in each other was the key to the Firebirds’ dramatic title defence but when victory finally came, Kim Ravaillion still couldn’t believe it.
Firebirds go back-to-back in double over-time epicTHE Queensland Firebirds have etched their name into the annals of trans-Tasman netball history, holding on for a thrilling sudden-death extra-time win.
Firebirds sink Swifts in epic grand finalTHE sequel was better than the original as the Queensland Firebirds defeated the NSW Swifts in double over-time to win the 2016 ANZ Championship grand final.
Swifts-Firebirds rivals great AFL showdownsTHE rivalry between the NSW Swifts and Queensland Firebirds reminds Kelli Underwood of the unforgettable Swans-Eagles AFL grand final showdowns.
The rev-up that inspired fairytale win“JUST shoot it’’. They are the words that rang in the ears of Firebirds goal attack Gretel Tippett with 14 seconds left in last year’s ANZ Championship grand final.
Firebirds to unleash ‘Super Seven’IT will be a showdown between the Firebirds’ “Super Seven” and the substitute-swinging Swifts when the two powerhouses clash in the 2016 grand final.
Netball goes on the offensiveTHE new netball league was born from necessity after the Big Bash and women’s soccer went from strength-to-strength last year, writes Kelli Underwood.
Swifts sense something specialON paper everything is against the NSW Swifts heading into the last ever ANZ Championship grand final but co-captain Kim Green still can’t wipe the smile off her face.
The Originals grin as Firebirds hunt recordTHE Firebirds “Originals’’ have their eyes firmly on the ANZ Championship prize and a special place in history.
Swifts stars pushing the boundariesTHEY are the NSW Swifts’ bookends — one of the most prolific shooters in the game, and the woman charged with menacing every other goalscorer in domestic and international netball.
Rivals plan Grand larceny on FirebirdsTHE Firebirds are ready to repel recruiting raids on their star-studded side less than 24 hours after Sunday’s ANZ Championship grand final against the Swifts.
NSW Swifts’ secret motivationCOACH Rob Wright has finally revealed the motivation behind the Swifts charge to the grand final and says it wasn’t the upset of their one-goal loss in the decider a year ago.
Vixens champion to advise MagpiesFORMER Melbourne Vixens captain Bianca Chatfield will play a key role in shaping the roster for Collingwood’s new netball team.
Treading a fine line ahead of GFTHIS Sunday’s ANZ Championship grand final is not about me. It’s about an amazing group of people trying to achieve amazing things.
Firebirds soar to even greater heightsGABI Simpson is tipping a stronger, wiser, more confident Firebirds line-up to defend their ANZ Championship title in a grand final rematch with the Swifts.