Giants Netball co-captain Jo Harten announces retirement

One of the best players on the Aussie netball scene will retire this weekend. hanging up her shoes in favour of a rumoured move into coaching.

One of the best players on the Aussie netball scene will retire this weekend, hanging up her shoes in favour of a rumoured move into coaching, it can be revealed.

Giants Netball co-captain Jo Harten, 36, has announced the match against the Melbourne Mavericks on Saturday will be her final game after more than 200 national league games and two decades on the court.

The former England international has won gold and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games and has led the Giants since 2020, after moving across the world to join the team for its inaugural season.

When she isn’t leading the scoreboard as a top attacker and goal shooter, Harten has been a vocal advocate for women’s sport and professionalism.

“It’s been a true privilege to have played netball at the elite level, competing with some of the best female athletes in the world over the past 20 years,” Harten said.

Giants player Jo Harten with her partner Alex Williams and their baby, Eddie, 12 weeks, and their dog Patrick. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“Having started my journey back in the UK in 2006, I’m honoured to close out my career in my now home of Sydney at a club that is so close to my heart.

“Although my on-court days have come to a close, I look forward to exploring roles within the netball community moving forwards, championing the future generations that will take the sport to new heights.”

Jo Harten will retire this weekend. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Harten’s retirement announcement also comes as rumours swirl about a potential pivot into a coaching role.

The Melbourne Vixens are currently search for a replacement for Simone McKinnis who shocked fans when she announced her retirement earlier this season.

It is understood that Harten’s name has been thrown in the ring for the job given her previous work as a support coach for the English Vitality Roses as well as running netball programs through her own business.

Having spent the last few years battling injuries including bone damage in her knee, Harten also stepped into a mentorship role for players on the predominantly younger Giants team.

Giants head coach Julie Fitzgerald called Harten a “natural born leader” who has left a lasting legacy on the game.

“Jo has been one of the most influential players I’ve ever coached, and I congratulate her on a fantastic career,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“She’s the kind of player you build a team around, and that’s exactly what we did at the Giants.

“She gave everything to the game — from mentoring young players and building culture, to standing up for what she believed in. While we’ll miss her grit and spark on court, her influence on netball is far from over.”

Originally published as Giants Netball co-captain Jo Harten announces retirement