Netball 2023: Rival CEO urges Netball to consider regional future

With Collingwood Magpies on the brink of netball collapse, one rival club CEO has a left field idea for a future Super Netball team location which might solve the game’s Melbourne dilemma.

Netball Australia has been urged to consider regional Victoria if Collingwood hand back their Super Netball licence, with the CEO of the only other privately owned club in the competition naming Bendigo as the ideal new hotspot for a national team.

Sunshine Coast Lightning CEO Danielle Smith said she felt for the players and staff at Collingwood Magpies netball club after the shock news the team could fold by the end of the year due to a number of reasons including financial strain.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan confirmed the 2024 Super Netball competition would continue with eight teams regardless of Collingwood’s decision, opening the door for a new club to start if the Magpies walk away.

Smith said she did not believe Queensland was in a position to sustain a third team, with the Gold Coast and far north Queensland previously indicating a desire to join Super Netball.

Speaking hypothetically – Smith said it made sense for the replacement licence to go to another Victorian team – but not one based in Melbourne.

“Netball has the highest participation rates along the eastern seaboard and Victoria is only slightly behind New South Wales,” Smith said.

Sunshine Coast Lightning chief executive Danielle Smith. Photo: supplied.

“It is more challenging in a capital city especially with the number of sporting teams already in Melbourne.

“If they looked regional it would be a great opportunity. We played a pre-season match against the Vixens in Bendigo and had some great support out there. It is also where netball will be played for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

Smith said being based regionally was one of the reasons Lightning had been able to thrive without the financial support of Netball Queensland.

“Obviously success on the court is really important but so is having a strong connection with the community. It was what we focused on before we even played a match – gaining their support,” Smith said.

Lighting is the only Sunshine Coast team in a national competition and Smith said games continue to be sold out or close to sold out every week.

“If you have that community feel as the cornerstone of the club from the beginning they are more likely to stick with you,” Smith said.

And while not backed by Netball Queensland Smith said Lightning did work closely with the state member body to build the pathway, at a grassroots level and joint initiatives such as regional tours.

Originally published as Netball 2023: Rival CEO urges Netball to consider regional future