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Super Netball trades: Mavs lock in senior star, inevitable Giants trade confirmed

An inaugural Giant is on her way out of Sydney, Jamie-Lee Price walking out on her final contracted year to be with AFL player partner in Melbourne. All the Super Netball trade news.

Super Netball clubs are racing to lock up their stars, with club captains, seasoned internationals and rising stars among more than half the players in the league officially off contract and able to negotiate with any team in less than a fortnight.

While the competition remains a year away from the signing silly season - a period in which every player in the competition is off-contract at the same time, there are several big stars whose signatures their clubs are racing to secure ahead of free agency, which starts on August 4.

Teams are able to contract their own players at any stage, as the Mavericks did with defender Kim Brown and captain Amy Parmenter, before the end of the season, and remain eligible to lock them in at any stage ahead of free agency, which begins on the Monday following the grand final.

READ MORE: The coachkillers that sabotaged Super Netball’s bottom four

Again, it was the Mavs - who initially had none of their full-time list of 10 re-signed for 2026 - who made a signing announcement last week, confirming key goaler Shimona Jok was locked in for next season.

With players unable to be signed past the end of the current Collective Player Agreement and broadcast cycle, at the end of the 2026 season, only 12-month deals can currently be done.

But with more than half the club’s players off contract and five of the eight clubs now officially finished their playing duties, expect a flurry of announcements in the coming days.

Code Netball has highlighted five of the biggest names off contract.

Five of the biggest Super Netball names who are on the market.
Five of the biggest Super Netball names who are on the market.

AN OG GIANT WANTS OUT

– Emma Greenwood, Rebecca Williams

Diamonds midcourt star Jamie-Lee Price is on the move to Melbourne after officially parting ways with the Giants.

It was confirmed on Thursday Price had informed the Giants of her decision to withdraw from the final year of her contract.

The Giants said the club and Price had agreed to a “mutual and respectful” release from the final year of her deal ahead of the 2026 season.

The Giants said the 29-year-old intended to relocate to Melbourne to be with her partner, Collingwood AFL player Harry Perryman.

There has been speculation linking Price to the Mavericks, which would make sense given the midcourt talent available and likely to be re-signed to the Vixens.

Price would add obvious star power to the Mavericks midcourt, which has already re-signed captain Amy Parmenter and centre Molly Jovic.

Jamie-Lee Price has previously hinted at the Melbourne move. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images
Jamie-Lee Price has previously hinted at the Melbourne move. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Giants executive general manager Tim Underwood said the club respected Price’s decision.

“Jamie-Lee has played a significant role in the growth and success of the Giants since inception and we thank her for her contributions over the past nine seasons,” Underwood said.

“While we’re naturally disappointed to see her go, we understand and respect her decision to prioritise her personal life and wish her the best in this next chapter.”

Price had made no secret of the fact she saw her long-term future in Melbourne, speaking earlier this year of the potential for a move south.

“I guess for me, it’s just a matter of when I go to Melbourne,” she said on Netball Australia’s ‘Uncovered’.

“I think I’m going to be there eventually.

“I don’t like the long-distance (relationship) - obviously I’m able to live by myself and we are very independent in so many ways but it’s always nice to have that person that you have lived with to be able to go home to.

“I think knowing that you only get so much time to play professionally, it is so small in your life or your career.

“We acknowledged that it’s going to be forever - we need to enjoy it while we can.”

The news of Price’s exit comes amid uncertainty over the club’s future ownership and the departure of foundation coach Julie Fitzgerald and veteran goaler Jo Harten.

The Giants earlier announced young midcourter Hope White had signed a one-year contract extension after an impressive debut season.

Elevated to the full-time list after Gina Crampton announced her pregnancy, White showed enormous potential in her rookie year and has been working closely with the former Silver Ferns star.

The Giants now have goaler Sophie Dwyer, defender Jodi-Ann Ward and White contracted for next season.

CONFIRMED MOVES

July 22: Mavericks re-sign Molly Jovic.

July 24: Giants confirm Jamie-Lee Price released from final year of her deal to move to Melbourne.

Mavs have moved to keep Molly Jovic next season. Picture: Getty Images
Mavs have moved to keep Molly Jovic next season. Picture: Getty Images

CLUB BY CLUB GUIDE

West Coast Fever

Coach: Dan Ryan (2026)

Regular-season finish 2025: Minor premiers

Squad: Jess Anstiss (2026), Alice Teague-Neeld (2026), Sunday Aryang (2026), Fran Williams (2025), Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (2025), Kadie-Ann Dehaney (2025), Shanice Beckford (2025), Jordan Cransberg (2026), Olivia Wilkinson (2026), Ruth Aryang (2025), Zoe Cransberg (temporary replacement player, 2025), Mwai Kumwenda (temporary replacement player 2025)

Comment: While they have several experienced hands, the Fever have also invested heavily in youth with the efforts of the Cransberg twins this season stellar. If Ruth Aryang is unable to recover from an achilles injury in time for the 2026 season, Zoe Cransberg could be in line for an extension.

Zoe Cransberg could be in for an extension with the Fever if Ruth Aryang doesn’t recover from a serious injury. Picture: Getty Images
Zoe Cransberg could be in for an extension with the Fever if Ruth Aryang doesn’t recover from a serious injury. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard

The GOAT only signed a two-year contract when the last major signing period opened, taking her through to the end of the 2025 season. And it’s unknown at this stage whether she will play on in 2026. After missing the opening two games of the season, Fowler-Nembhard’s importance to the Fever has never been more stark. They won the next 12 games in a row when after she returned and her impact on the side and standing as the best holding shooter in the world is unchallenged. Has said on a number of occasions this year after returning she feels blessed to be playing the game she loves but whether she wants to step back or extend a career that is already one of the best in history, is unknown.

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard made a massive, immediate, impact in her return for the Fever. Picture: Getty Images
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard made a massive, immediate, impact in her return for the Fever. Picture: Getty Images

NSW Swifts

Coach: Briony Akle (2026)

Regular-season finish 2025: Second

Squad: Sarah Klau (2026), Sophie Fawns (2025), Maddy Turner (2026), Paige Hadley (2026), Helen Housby (2026), Teigan O’Shannassy (2025), Allie Smith (2025), Sharni Lambden (2025), Grace Nweke (2025), Verity Simmons (2025 - permanent replacement player), Maddy Proud (2026)*

Comment: The Swifts’ midcourt struggled in the back half of the season and whether contracted midcourter and co-captain Maddy Proud returns from maternity leave next season will have a big bearing on contracting.

Whether or not Maddy Proud returns from maternity leave next season could hold the key for the Swifts’ midfield. Picture: Getty Images
Whether or not Maddy Proud returns from maternity leave next season could hold the key for the Swifts’ midfield. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Grace Nweke

Signed only a one year deal with the Swifts given Netball New Zealand’s ruling that any of its athletes not playing in its domestic league remain ineligible for national selection. Nweke sacrificed the Silver Ferns dress that remains so sacred to her to improve her game playing Super Netball but a return was unlikely in a Commonwealth Games year. That was until Monday’s news from across the ditch that Netball New Zealand had reviewed its policy and will consider individual requests on a case-by-case basis. Her sacrifices this year may not only extend her own stay but open the floodgates for others.

Grace Nweke starred for the Swifts but was signed to only a one-year deal. Picture: Getty Images
Grace Nweke starred for the Swifts but was signed to only a one-year deal. Picture: Getty Images

Adelaide Thunderbirds

Coach: Tania Obst (2027)

Regular-season finish 2025: Third

Squad: Georgie Horjus (2026), Tayla Williams (2026), Lauren Frew (2025), Latanya Wilson (2026), Lucy Austin (2025), Matilda Garrett (2026), Hannah Petty (2025), Romelda Aiken George (2025), Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (2026)*, Kayla Graham (2025)

Comment: Romelda Aiken-George’s next steps are likely to determine what happens to Lucy Austin, while the club is yet to confirm whether contracted defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey plans to return from maternity leave after the birth of her first child.

Lucy Austin’s future at the Thunderbirds is not guaranteed - for now. Picture: Getty Images
Lucy Austin’s future at the Thunderbirds is not guaranteed - for now. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Romelda Aiken-George

There’s plenty of speculation Aiken-George is about to announce her retirement after incredible 18-season long stint in the ANZ Championship and Super Netball. It seemed the goaler’s stellar career could be over when she was cut by the Queensland Firebirds at the end of the 2022 season as she was set to return from maternity leave. But she reinvented herself, first at the NSW Swifts, then with the Thunderbirds and has played in the last two grand finals, earning MVP honours in the 2024 decider with the T-Birds before her incredible run came to a halt in the minor semi-final on Sunday.

Romelda Aiken-George’s decision over her future could have a huge flow-on effect through the rest of the competition. Picture: Getty Images
Romelda Aiken-George’s decision over her future could have a huge flow-on effect through the rest of the competition. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne Vixens

Coach: Simone McKinnis (Resigned)

Regular-season finish 2025: Fourth

Squad: Jo Weston (2025), Kate Moloney (2025), Kate Eddy (2025), Hannah Mundy (2025), Kiera Austin (2026), Sophie Garbin (2025), Rudi Ellis (2025), Zara Walters (2025), Lily Graham (2025), Emily Mannix (2026)*, Maggie Caris (temporary replacement player 2025)

Outs: McKinnis

Comment: The Vixens will have fresh leadership with a new head coach next season, but only had two players locked in for 2026 entering this year’s campaign. Hard to see too many changes to one of the most stable teams in the competition. Key defender Emily Mannix’s plans after a season off following the birth of her first child will be one of the major points of interest.

Emily Mannix’s potential return is a major point of interest this off-season. Picture: Getty Images
Emily Mannix’s potential return is a major point of interest this off-season. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Kate Moloney

It seems laughable even putting the Vixens captain on this list, yet she’s off contract

and hasn’t yet been secured for 2026. The thought of Maloney playing for any other club though is almost unimaginable. She’ll be back at the Vixens next season and spurring them on to great heights in a new era after the resignation of coach Simone McKinnis - the only coach under whom she and most of the Vixens have ever played.

Kate Moloney will return to the Vixens, under a new coach for the first time. Picture: Getty Images
Kate Moloney will return to the Vixens, under a new coach for the first time. Picture: Getty Images

Sunshine Coast Lightning

Coach: Belinda Reynolds (2026)

Regular-season finish 2025: Fifth

Squad: Liz Watson (2026), Leesa Mi Mi (2025), Mahalia Cassidy (2025), Cara Koenen (2026), Steph Fretwell (2025), Courtney Bruce (2026), Reilley Batcheldor (2025), Tara Hinchliffe (2025), Ash Ervin (2025), Ava Black (2025 -long-term injury list), Kristiana Manu’a (2025 - temporary replacement player)

Comment: Veteran defender Courtney Bruce is locked in for next season, but the Lightning will want to shore up the rest of their powerful defensive unit with Tara Hinchliffe coming off a career-best season and Ash Ervin a Diamond-in-waiting. Midcourt speedster Leesa Mi Mi will also be a top priority.

Tara Hinchliffe is coming off a career-best season for the Lightning. Picture: Getty Images
Tara Hinchliffe is coming off a career-best season for the Lightning. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Steph Fretwell

The former Diamonds vice-captain has yo-yoed this season, showing glimpses of her absolute scheming best while at times looking slightly off the mark. Bitterly disappointed at the Lightning’s failure to make the finals, Fretwell has also spoken of her desire to play on, although she knows it might need to be in an altered role given the rise of the Lightning’s young star Reilley Batcheldor. Her leadership skills and playmaking nous though remain invaluable and it would surprise if she does not get a new deal.

Steph Fretwell wants toplay on, but could face a new role at the Lightning. Picture: Getty Images
Steph Fretwell wants toplay on, but could face a new role at the Lightning. Picture: Getty Images

Giants

Coach: Julie Fitzgerald (Resigned)

Regular-season finish 2025: Sixth

Squad: Jamie-Lee Price (2026), Sophie Dwyer (2026), Jo Harten (2025), Matisse Letherbarrow (2025), Amy Sligar (2025), Maddie Hay (2025), Tilly McDonell (2025), Jodi-Ann Ward (2026), Erin O’Brien (2026), Hope White (2025), Casey Kopua (2026 - temporary replacement player)

Outs: Julie Fitzgerald, Jo Harten (retired), Jamie-Lee Price (mutual release from final year of contract)

Comment: The retirement of Jo Harten, stepping down of veteran coach Julie Fitzgerald and now the compassionate release of midcourter Jamie-Lee Price to Melbourne is set to lead to a real revamp of the playing roster, although the Giants have some great young talent they’ll be keen to keep hold of.

The departure of Jo Harten will mark a major change at the Giants. Picture: Getty Images
The departure of Jo Harten will mark a major change at the Giants. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Amy Sligar

The Giants should be out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt in a bid to lock down defensive midcourter Sligar, whose potential has long been known but showed this season just what a talent she is going to be, earning a position as a Diamonds training invitee last week when the squad was announced by coach Stacy Marinkovich. An asset to any club - get her signature on the page now.

Amy Sligar in action for the Giants. Picture: Getty Images
Amy Sligar in action for the Giants. Picture: Getty Images

Mavericks

Coach: Tracey Neville (2025)

Regular-season finish 2025: Seventh

Squad: Eleanor Cardwell (2025), Sasha Glasgow (2025), Maisie Nankivell (2025), Shimona Jok (2025), Kim Brown (2025), Liv Lewis (2025), Molly Jovic (2025), Amy Parmenter (2025), Lauren Parkinson (2025), Tayla Fraser (2025)

Ins: Kim Brown (2026), Amy Parmenter (2026), Shimona Jok (2026), Molly Jovic (2026)

Comment: Had no players contracted at the start of the year and only two - Brown and Parmenter by the end of the season. Announced Jok’s re-signing last week and Jovic’s retention this week. Mavs loom as a likely destination for Giant Jamie-Lee Price, who has secured a release to move to Melbourne and potentially reunite with former teammate Parmenter.

Shimona Jok will return for the Mavericks next season. Picture: Getty Images
Shimona Jok will return for the Mavericks next season. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Eleanor Cardwell

Cardwell did not play a game for Mavericks this season and after missing the end of the Mavericks inaugural year in 2024 has played just 11 games for the club over two years after switching from the Adelaide Thunderbirds. The England Roses representative has made no secret of the fact she struggles at times with homesickness and it’s debatable how long she sees her time in Australia. Her decision could hinge as much on whether the Mavs resign coach Tracy Neville as anything else but our feeling is she’s likely to stay on to make her mark as a Mavs foundation player.

Eleanor Cardwell has played just 11 games in two seasons with Mavericks due to injury. Picture: Getty Images
Eleanor Cardwell has played just 11 games in two seasons with Mavericks due to injury. Picture: Getty Images

Firebirds

Coach: Kiri Wills (2027)

Regular-season finish 2025: Eighth

Squad: Ruby Bakewell-Doran (2026), Macy Gardner (2026), Hulita Veve (2025), Tippah Dwan (2025), Lara Dunkley (2025), Isabelle Shearer (2025), Emily Moore (2025), Ashlee Barnett (2025), Imogen Allison (2026), Mary Cholhok (2026)

Comment: Just four players locked in for next season for the wooden spooners - significant change likely and needed if they are to become genuine challengers.

Hulita Veve is Firebirds co-captain but an ACL injury has made her return to the court tough. Picture: Getty Images
Hulita Veve is Firebirds co-captain but an ACL injury has made her return to the court tough. Picture: Getty Images

BIG NAME

Hulita Veve

The Firebirds co-captain is one of the best and yet, most hard luck stories in Super Netball. A premiership winner with the club in 2016 as a rising star, Veve became a young mother before returning to the sport and lingering on the training partner list for years before finally being handed a full-time contract last season and grabbing her opportunity with both hands. Turning 30 in September, Firebirds officials would have been carefully considering her role in a midcourt that has two of its four members already contracted for next season but needs an injection of some sort after failing to fire this year. But an ACL injury at training late in the season may mean her chances of returning are extremely tough.

Originally published as Super Netball trades: Mavs lock in senior star, inevitable Giants trade confirmed

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/netball/super-netball-trades-why-aikengeorge-fowlernembhard-and-nweke-calls-are-key-in-the-market/news-story/0ab27d1bef32ed79f911e2ff9d6ae667