Aussie netball chief says she’s thrilled to hold premiership in ‘a city that truly loves its sport’

This year’s Super Netball grand final will be held at Rod Laver Arena, with thousands of sports fans expected to descend on the city to watch the thrilling decider — billed as “a spectacle unlike any other”.

Mavericks’ player Kim Jenner and young Victorian netballers are super excited for the Rod Laver premiership. Picture: Jason Edwards

Melbourne is set to score this year’s Super Netball final with the premiership decider to be staged at Rod Laver Arena in August.

The announcement will spark hopes for a crowd of more than 10,000 which would set another record, beating the previous best mark of more than 9600 fans at John Cain Arena for the decider in 2023.

Netball Australia and the state government will officially announce the deal on Thursday.

It is hoped more than 14,000 fans will pack the stadium – making it the biggest crowd at a Super Netball Grand Final.

In a statement, Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West said: “The Grand Final has grown into a spectacle unlike any other and we are thrilled to bring it to a city that truly loves its sport.’’

Last year’s sold out grand final at JCA between the NSW Swifts and Adelaide Thunderbirds was credited with an economic impact of more than $6.9m for Victoria.

Thunderbirds Hannah Petty (centre), Georgie Horjus and Tayla Williams. Picture: Russell Millard Photography

Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos said it was a win for netball lovers across the state.

“This is an event that draws fans and families from across the state and around Australia – bringing netball fans to our hotels, restaurants and attractions and backing local businesses and jobs,’’ he said.

“We’re bringing elite netball to all corners of the state so fans and families can experience the highest level of competition close to where they live, with those benefits flowing into local communities.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos with Kate Moloney of the Melbourne Vixens and Tayla Fraser of the Melbourne Mavericks. Picture: Getty

More than 330,000 people attending home and away Super Netball matches in 2024 – a 25 per cent increase on 2023.

Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said: “Visit Victoria’s partnership with Netball Australia boosts our major events pipeline and encourages thousands of

visitors to our state.’’

Originally published as Aussie netball chief says she’s thrilled to hold premiership in ‘a city that truly loves its sport’