Cover Image: Danny Dalton
Writers: Jenny Sinclair, Andrew Kennedy, Ian Harkin, Ariane Virgona, Elly McNerney.
Photographers: Danny Dalton, May Bailey, Chyon Kondylas
RESULTS
Sunshine Coast Lightning 67 def Melbourne Mavericks 60
NSW Swifts 64 def Adelaide Thunderbirds 62
Melbourne Vixens 71 def Giants Netball 61
West Coast Fever 82 def Queensland Firebirds 65
MILESTONES
Romelda Aiken-George (Thunderbirds) – Aiken-George became the second shooter to reach 9000 National League goals, a huge milestone.
Casey Kopua (Giants) – she might be the most experienced debutante on record, but congratulations to the former Silver Ferns’ captain who played her first game for the Giants.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (Fever)- Fresh off her 9000 national league goal in round seven, Fowler-Nembhard was able to reach 6,500 goals in Suncorp Super Netball.
INJURIES
Jodi-Ann Ward (Giants) – sadly experienced an ACL injury last round, and had surgery on Friday. Our best wishes go to Jodi-Ann for a smooth recovery.
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
News of the Week
In news that few people would have seen coming, former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua has joined the Giants as a replacement player following Ward’s injury. Across her illustrious career, Kopua played 187 national league games and 112 international matches. The World Cup champion (2019) and two times Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2006 and 2010) was last coached by Julie Fitzgerald at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. Her experience should be invaluable in a young Giants defensive end. Giants did not explicitly say that Kopua would be playing out the remainder of the season but if her performance on Round 8 was anything to go by, she is worthy of the bib.
A legend returns. Former Silver Fern captain Casey Kopua debuts for the Giants. Image May Bailey/Clusterpix
Sunshine Coast Lightning hosted their annual Pride game. Now in their fifth year of celebrating the event, Lightning are promoting netball as a place where everyone belongs, irrespective of gender or sexuality.
One of two foundation clubs left in National League netball, NSW Swifts hosted their annual Heritage Game against the Thunderbirds. Wearing their yellow dresses to reflect their history, the Swifts celebrated past and present players, coaches and staff.
The historic Aurora series has seen the Australian Kelpies travel to England for the first time to take on the England Thorns, with Sky Sport telecasting all matches live. With new debutantes on both sides, there’s been some almighty tussles out on court. Overall the Kelpies have proved too strong, but with some of the Thorns now embedded into NSL programmes, expect their standard to continue to rise.
First Test – Australian Kelpies 63 def England Thorns 34 – MVP Liam Forcadilla
Second Test – Australian Kelpies 62 def England Thorns 30 – MVP Josh Byron
Third Test – Australian Kelpies 64 def England Thorns 32 – MVP Brodie Roberts
It’s been fascinating watching how strategies around the supershot unfold as the years go by, but the Swifts are pulling something quite new out of the basket this year. At times, both Helen Housby and Grace Nweke will position themselves in the two point zone, a small area that almost inevitably leads to a defender causing a contact. To take the penalty Nweke – not known for her long range shooting – will put the ball down for Housby – who is! It’s incredibly clever courtcraft.
For the first time in a few years, Western Australia’s Association Championships coincided with a Fever home game. Over 320 teams from all parts of the state took part, including 17 No Limits teams (for players with an intellectual disability), male teams, and 17 invitational teams from Singapore. With so many netballers in town, it also meant a huge crowd of around 11 500 people at the Fever game. With the crowd on their feet dancing during breaks, Fever showed just how right they have it with the crossover between sport and entertainment. And for those who fixture Super Netball matches, how can they build on local events like this to maximise crowds.
The SSN Reserves competition is fierce and worth a watch. Image: May Bailey
The Super Netball Reserves continued this week. Tickets are free for matches happening not consecutively with SSN matches. You can find more information here and see the full home and away fixture here.
Results:
Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 50 drew with Melbourne Mavericks Reserves 50
Melbourne Vixens Academy 72 def GIANTS Netball Reserves 54
West Coast Fever Reserves 56 def Queensland Firebirds Futures 48
Stay in the conversation with the Netball Scoop Forum.
Catch up with The Sporting Scoop podcast on Spotify and Youtube.
This week’s podcast guest was Lightning defender Tara Hinchliffe. In a bonus episode, Tobey Keddy and Georgia Doyle also discussed the first half of the Suncorp Super Netball season and named their team of the competition to date.
Stats of the Week
It’s time to look at some team statistics which are reflected in winning performances. Firstly, there is the centre pass to goal rate. On average, teams convert their centre pass to goal roughly 72% of the time. But the gold standard to aim for is 80% or more. So far, 11 teams have hit that magical number in 2025 and every single one of them has won the game. Fever has done it four times and Swifts twice. The only team which hasn’t achieved 80% centre passes to goal at least once this year is Giants.
The second team stat to look at is general play turnovers, not just how many, but how many compared to your opposition. On the 11 times this season that teams have had at least five fewer general play turnovers than their opposition, all of these teams won the game. Swifts have achieved this feat three times, the Thunderbirds and Fever twice each.
Thirdly, we look at goals from gains, which is converting the ball you’ve won into goals. So far in 2025, on 12 occasions a team has had at least five more goals from gains than their opponents, and every single time that team has won. Fever has done this in five of the six wins they’ve had so far. That is a great example of rewarding your defence.
The last team stat we’ll look at is goals from unforced turnovers, or capitalising on your opponents’ mistakes. Once again, 12 times a team has had at least five more goals from turnovers than their opposition, and all of these teams won. Vixens have done this in all four wins so far, but it’s noticeable that those four wins came against the bottom three teams where there are likely to be more turnovers to take advantage of.
In their dominant Round 8 win against Firebirds, Fever had an 80% centre pass to goal rate, they had eight fewer general play turnovers, and they also had seven more goals from gains than Firebirds. They had four more goals from turnovers too, so they very nearly ticked every box.
Zoe Cransberg has fitted seamlessly into Fever’s midcourt this season. Photo credit: West Coast Fever / Chyon Kondylas
Swifts were under enormous pressure in their clash with Thunderbirds, but somehow they found a way and ended up winning their eighth straight match to start the season. They are the first team to ever do that in SSN. So, how does eight straight wins to start a season stack up in the history of Australia’s National Netball League?
Well, there have actually been two teams which went through an entire season undefeated. In the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, the great Sydney Swifts team of 2006, led by Liz Ellis, achieved this feat, winning all 16 matches. Then, in the ANZ Championship, the Queensland Firebirds went undefeated through 15 games of the 2011 season to win their first ever title.
The record for most consecutive wins in the National League is also held by the Firebirds. Over two seasons in 2015-2016, the Laura Geitz-led team won 21 consecutive matches and went 23 games without defeat (22 wins, 1 draw).
As well as winning their first eight games this season, the Swifts also won their last game in 2024, so they are currently on a nine-game winning streak. Where does that sit with the other teams in Super Netball?
Longest winning streaks for each team in SSN:
Thunderbirds – 10 (2024-2025)
Swifts – 9 (2023) & 9* (2024-2025)
Fever – 9 (2022-2023)
Lightning – 9 (2019)
Vixens – 8 (2017)
Giants – 5 (2017)
Firebirds – 4 (2018)
Mavericks – 2 (2024)
Now, we get on to the bad news…
Longest losing streaks for each team in SSN:
Thunderbirds – 27 (2017-2018)
Giants – 8 (2024-2025)
Fever – 7 (2017)
Firebirds – 7 (2023)
Swifts – 7 (2024)
Vixens – 6 (2021)
Lightning – 4 (2021-2022), 4 (2022), 4 (2023), & 4 (2024)
Mavericks – 3 (2024) & 3 (2024-2025)
MATCH WRAPS:
Lightning v Mavericks
The Lightning finished victorious with a 7-goal win over the Mavericks at Uni Sc Arena. The Lightning displayed a dominant performance for much of the first three quarters, before Mavericks came back strongly in the fourth. Strong defensive pressure from Lightning saw them take the lead early, using their box defence to clog up the middle channel. This confused the attackers’ space and allowed Courtney Bruce, Mahalia Cassidy, and Tara Hinchliffe to intercept balls forced long and wide. The defensive trio finished with 9 gains, 6 intercepts, and 12 deflections.
By comparison, Mavericks went the entire first quarter without a gain until Jessie Grenvold took the court early in the second. Grenvold finished with 4 gains, 4 intercepts, and 2 deflections, alongside Olivia Lewis who racked up 2 gains, 1 intercept, and 2 deflections to keep the Mavericks in touch.
Lightning’s attacking midcourt unit of Liz Watson and Leesa Mi Mi continue to combine well with 55 feeds with an attempt, 4 pickups, and 2 deflections. The pair gave good service to Cara Koenen who finished with a high volume of 45/51 (88%). Steph Fretwell continues to lead her team with a composed performance (see stats in players of the round below).
For Mavericks, Shimona Jok (41/42) rose to the occasion, including slotting 2/3 supershots, however, Bruce did a good job of putting hesitancy into the minds of the feeders. This saw Uneeq Palavi combine with Sasha Glasgow in the third for more movement in the circle. A big difference in the game was accuracy from two-point range. While Fretwell didn’t miss all game for Lightning, Palavi (5/11) and Glasgow (0/4) were unable to nail the super shots when they were most needed. Despite tightening their defensive pressure and increasing the speed of the ball, Mavericks’ lack of consistency meant their efforts came a little too late.
Romelda Aiken-George hit 9000 National League goals. Image: Danny Dalton/Tah Dah
Swifts v Thunderbirds
In one of the most electrifying matches of the season, the NSW Swifts’ smart tactical adjustments saw them claw back from ten goals down with 20 minutes remaining for a memorable win. Every player pushed themselves to the limit in fulfilling their role, none more than the two captains – both Player of the Match Paige Hadley and opposing centre Hannah Petty each anchored incredibly tight, tenacious team defensive performances.
The first half zone defence from the visitors was sheer magic, and their amazing 19-9 second quarter where they converted 100% of gains and turnovers made the Thunderbirds look literally unbeatable. Matilda Garrett was exceptional through the middle of the match, nearly silencing Helen Housby, and the Swifts’ midcourt put in feeds that really were not on, falling into the hands of Latanya Wilson.
In the second half, Swifts adjusted the choice and length of feeds and gradually got both shooters involved and more balanced. As the hosts built confidence, punching into the middle of the zone and seeing more space for the lob to Grace Nweke, Housby’s 6/9 supershots pumped up the crowd. NSW levelled the scores with 14 minutes remaining.
Both teams delivered composed and mature games to be proud of, yet Swifts had the momentum at the right end of the match. The difference was the way each side recognised and reacted to the defensive structures thrown at them. The hosts intensified their double-teaming defence, and the lead kept changing even in the final power five. The Swifts side played possession with the ball for the last minute to safely hold on for a two-goal victory.
Hannah Petty had one of the best games of her career despite being ill. Image: Danny Dalton/Tah Dah
A fired up Helen Housby only shot 3 goals in regular time, but her 6 supershots sealed the deal for the Swifts. Image: Danny Dalton/Tah Dah
Giants v Vixens
The Giants started their match against the Vixens in fine style, breaking away to a 7-2 goal lead within a matter of minutes. While the presence of defenders Casey Kopua and Erin O’Brien made the Vixens cautious in attack in the first quarter, it wasn’t long before they clicked into gear to take out the remaining three quarters.
The Vixens midcourt was on fire, with Hannah Mundy (40 feeds, 23 centre pass receives) and Kate Moloney (30 feeds, 4 pick ups) particularly effective. Kiera Austin was also busy, finishing with 25 centre pass receives and 33 feeds. Austin starred in attack as the match wore on, and was judged Player of the Match. Vixens’ cause was aided by the Giants trying to go long into the goal circle on too many occasions, with Jo Weston and Rudi Ellis picking up a collective 11 gains between them.
For the Giants, Matisse Letherbarrow started the match strongly, shooting from anywhere, although her volume dropped off across the match as her ball supply dried up. Letherbarrow finished with nine super shots, equalling her best, and the most of any shooter in a game this season. She lacked support however from Sophie Dwyer who had another quiet game with just 14 centre pass receives and 10/12, while coughing up 9 turnovers. O’Brien (7 gains) and Jamie-Lee Price (34 feeds, 2 gains) were the Giants’ best. And the question remains – will Kopua stay in Australia to finish the season with the Giants?
Kate Moloney gets first hands to the ball, but is offside looming? Image May Bailey/Clusterpix
Kiera Austin lines up the shot over big hands from Erin O’Brien. Image: May Bailey | Clusterpix Photography
Jo Weston was back to her best, while Matisse Letherbarrow shot well. Image May Bailey/Clusterpix
Fever v Firebirds
While it was a huge win for Fever at home, the score didn’t reflect an improved performance by the Firebirds – they just came up against a slick unit who were on top of their game. Fever coughed up just 11 general play turnovers, while their centre pass conversion sat at 80%, their gain to goal conversion at 92% and their turnover conversion at 82%. Impressive numbers that the Firebirds could do little to stop.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard led the way in one of the best performances of her career, hitting 68/69 and showcasing her movement outside the circle as needed, plus some strong and athletic takes under the post. She was well fed by all the team, but particularly Alice Teague-Neeld who finished with 29 feeds and 21 centre pass receives. Pleasingly, Fever’s 12 gains came from 6 different players, with their through court defence on song. After experimenting with different midcourt structures in recent weeks, coach Dan Ryan’s tried several different defensive combinations during the match, with Fran Williams proving effective in shutting down the supershot, and Kadie-Ann Dehaney playing a controlled game at keeper for 4 gains and just 10 penalties.
Mary Cholhok proved to be more available and accurate under the post, particularly once Macy Gardner and Hulita Veve filled the wing attack and centre roles respectively. Gardner is the Firebirds’ best circle feeder, while Veve adds some defensive firepower, so it’s a move that makes sense and should be retained after weeks of experimentation. Isabelle Shearer finished with four gains, although was somewhat expensive with 17 penalties. However, it was disappointing to see the entire team drop their heads in the fourth quarter once the game was lost, rather than take the fight to the end.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard continues to lift her game to new heights this season. Photo credit: West Coast Fever / Chyon Kondylas
Kadie-Ann Dehaney finished with five gains. Photo credit: West Coast Fever / Chyon Kondylas
PLAYERS OF THE ROUND
Steph Fretwell (Lightning)
The Lightning captain continues to show why she’s one of the smartest attackers in the game. Finishing with 100% shooting accuracy in both the 1-point and super shots, 12 centre pass receives, and 15 second phase receives, Fretwell did a mountain of work to set up the play but also settle her team. Her composure and the five super shots in the first half were pivotal in allowing the Lightning to break away and weather the storms the tenacious Mavericks threw at them. Incredibly, Fretwell has now scored with her last 10 super shot attempts.
Hannah Petty (Thunderbirds)
Despite experiencing a migraine during the week, being unable to train and vomiting multiple times during the game, Petty turned in perhaps the best game of her career. She finished with 31 feeds, 2 gains and 3 pick-ups, all for just two penalties. Such was Petty’s dominance that she forced the Swifts to shift Paige Hadley – who has been settled at wing attack in recent weeks – into centre to try and minimise the damage Petty was doing in both attack and defence. The tussle between the duo was one of the match-ups of the game, in a match full of intriguing contests.
Erin O’Brien is thriving this season, and was given terrific guidance from Casey Kopua behind her. Image May Bailey/Clusterpix
Erin O’Brien (Giants)
Erin O’Brien spent the game out at goal defence with Jodi-Ann Ward out for the remainder of the season. With the experienced head of Casey Kopua guiding from behind, O’Brien had confidence to fly for the ball and really put pressure on the Vixens’ attacking line. She finished with seven gains, including 5 rebounds and 8 deflections in a career-best performance.
Jo Weston (Vixens)
It’s fair to say that the Vixens defence has been under the pump in recent weeks, so it was great to see Jo Weston back to her pesky best. In her best game of the season, Weston finished with 6 gains for a tidy 11 penalties, but did a brilliant shut down job on Sophie Dwyer. The Giant struggled to find the post, finishing with 10/12, and just 8 feeds and 14 centre pass receives.
Jo Weston collected 6 gains in Round 8. Image: May Bailey \ Clusterpix Photography
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (Fever)
While the Jamaican shooter rightly wins a lot of accolades, she’s somehow taken her form up another gear in season 2025. After a string of MVP performances already, Round 8 proved to be her best yet. Fowler-Nembhard finished with 68/69. Her only shooting blemish was a super shot attempt at the death. She was a readily available presence in the circle. Her movement outside for an outlet pass impressed, as did her ability to reposition herself back under the post.
Fran Williams (Fever)
While the Fever defender has lacked court time in recent weeks, there’s little doubting she’s one of the smartest players in Super Netball. Playing across 35 minutes at goal defence, Williams picked off three gains for just four penalties, in a strong partnership with Kadie-Ann Dehaney. What makes Williams particularly important is her ability to reduce supershot opportunities. While the Firebirds managed to sink six of them during the game, all bar one came when they had a moving circle with two long-bomb threats.
QUOTES CORNER
Simone McKinnis on the change of Zara Walters to wing defence.
‘I think she has great speed and great energy and agility especially around that pocket on the circle edge. It also allows us the flexibility to be able to pop Keddy back in the circle as well. And with Hope White coming onto wing defence, it’s quite a good match’.
Erin O’Brien about working with Casey Kopua in the goal circle.
‘I never felt lost out there because I had such a good voice behind me, getting a lot of tips along the way.’
Julie Fitzgerald on how long we can expect to see Casey Kopua in the orange dress.
‘We discussed three weeks because that’s when we think Tilly will be back but I think we might be able to extend it a little bit more if things keep going the way they are. I think the exciting thing with Casey is that she’s only going to get better.
One of the things I love about Casey is she’s a winner. It’s not just winning games. She wants to win every ball. I think that will be incredible for our team.’
LADDER
Team / Pts / %
Swifts . 32 . 115%
Fever . 24 . 106%
Lightning . 20 . 108%
Thunderbirds . 16 . 106%
–
Vixens. 16 . 100%
Mavericks . 8 . 94%
Firebirds . 8 . 90%
Giants . 4 . 87%
NEXT WEEK
(Round 9)
Sat, May 31
5pm – FIREBIRDS v LIGHTNING
7pm – SWIFTS v FEVER
Sun, Jun 1
2pm – VIXENS v MAVERICKS
4pm – THUNDERBIRDS v GIANTS (3:30pm local time)
Patrick the Mopman has become a sensation at Swifts home games. Image: Danny Dalton/Tah Dah
Verity Simmons was shifted between centre and wing attack. Image: Danny Dalton/Tah Dah
Sophie Garbin and Jamie-Lee Price catch up. Image May Bailey/Clusterpix
