Beckford reflects on Fever’s season start, Fowler-Nembhard’s impact

Jamaican goal attack Shanice Beckford is not one to shy away from the truth. Sitting seventh on the Suncorp Super Netball ladder after three rounds, she is well aware that West Coast Fever has a lot of work to do to recover from a stuttering start to their 2025 campaign. But with superstar compatriot Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard returning to the fold and the team recently snapping a two-game skid, there is a quiet sense of optimism beginning to bloom in Perth.

“It’s been a mixed bag, to be honest. We have shown flashes of what we’re capable of, but we know we’ve left some moments out on court. Still, it’s early days; we’re building something, and Jhan being back was a big lift,” Beckford told SportsMax.TV.

After back-to-back losses to the NSW Swifts (49-67) and Queensland Firebirds (54-67), Fever bounced back in Round three with a resounding 67-57 victory over the Melbourne Vixens, led by Fowler-Nembhard’s near-perfect 59 goals from 60 attempts shooting clinic.

“It felt like we were finally clicking again. Having Jhan back was more than just about goals; she brings a certain energy and leadership to the team. She gives everyone that little bit more confidence, and we saw that in the game against Vixens,” Beckford said.

Shanice Beckford (right) with teammates Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (centre) and Fran Williams.

The Jamaican duo, who have shared court time both for Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls and now for Fever, showcased their connection in flashes—Fowler-Nembhard operating like a metronome under the post, Beckford injecting movement and mid-range threat. So far, Beckford has tallied 21 goals, 76 net points, and chipped in defensively with two rebounds, one deflection, and one intercept over three games.

“I’m proud of my effort, but there’s always room for growth,” Beckford admitted.

“I’ve had moments where I wasn’t as clinical as I needed to be, especially with the supershots, but I am putting in the work in training so I know I’ve got that range. It is just about execution and consistency now,” she noted.

Beckford’s willingness to evaluate herself critically while still radiating positivity has been a hallmark of her approach for both club and country. The prolific goal attack is well rated for her slick on-court movements and her ability to escape opponents in attacking build-ups.

“I’ve been working closely with the coaches on my timing and on decision-making in that goal third, and defensively, I want to bring more disruption, more tips, and more intercepts. Like I said at the start of the season, I am working on those one percenters to bring as much value as I possibly can to my team,” she declared.

That said, Beckford pointed out that Fowler-Nembhard’s return, from a nine-month break in which she suffered a devastating miscarriage, did not just signal a shift on court. This as the club recently unveiled a stunning mural to honour her status as a franchise legend and six-time league MVP.

“When I saw the mural, honestly, I almost teared up,” Beckford said.

“To see a Jamaican woman celebrated like that on the other side of the world? It was powerful. It reminded me of how far we’ve come, not just as individuals but as a nation in this sport. This is why we do what we do, because we want to inspire young girls in Jamaica and around the Caribbean to know that they too can achieve great things,” she declared. 

With Sunshine Coast Lightning being their next assignment this Saturday, Beckford is confident that the Fever can continue to climb the standings from their current seventh-place position with four points.

“They’re a tough side, no doubt. But we’ve tasted that winning feeling again, and we want more of it. If we bring the fight from the first whistle, stay composed, and feed Jhan smartly, we’ll be in it. We know we have work to do. But we’ve got heart, and we’ve got each other. That’s a good place to start,” she ended.