Collingwood withdraw from Super Netball competition

Collingwood’s Super Netball team has officially been axed in a bombshell call after weeks of turmoil for the Magpies.

Collingwood has withdrawn its Super Netball licence in a decision which could have widespread ramifications for the sport in Australia.

The Magpies will leave the national competition at the end of the 2023 season, with club chief executive Craig Kelly conceding “we could have run a better netball program at Collingwood”.

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Kelly said the netball program had a “meaningful impact” on the club but was not a viable long-term prospect due to ongoing problems within the sport’s governing body and stalled negotiations on the new collective player agreement and team participation agreement, which have cast doubt over the 2024 season.

“Collingwood is a better place for having had a netball team and the decision to not renew our netball licence has been an incredibly difficult one which has weighed heavily on us,” Kelly said.

Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly said the club’s netball program was no longer viable due to the clouded future of the sport at a professional level in Australia. Picture: Mark Dadswell / Getty Images

“As a club, we are tasked with continuing to deliver growth across all areas of Collingwood and ultimately, the review, which analysed key aspects of the club’s netball program and that of the governing body, determined that the program is not sustainable.

“We acknowledge we could have run a better netball program at Collingwood.”

Kelly blamed Netball Australia’s recent woes as the catalyst for the club’s decision, while he said the Magpies netballers, coaches and staff would be supported “on their transition”.

“Throughout this process, we met with Netball Australia and SSN on multiple occasions to explore potential solutions,” he said.

“The challenges Netball Australia has experienced and continues to experience in terms of profitability combined with the current impasse in regard to finalising the TPA and CPA, played a key role in our decision-making.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Jodi-Ann Ward of the Magpies reacts during the round 10 Super Netball match between NSW Swifts and Collingwood Magpies at Ken Rosewall Arena, on May 21, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

“While the timing of an announcement like this is never ideal, or pleasant, it is important to provide our athletes, coaches and staff with clarity so they can plan for the future. We will support athletes and staff on their transition over the coming months.”

Kelly said Collingwood remained “absolutely committed” to women’s sport through its AFLW and VFL programs, and thanked key figures in the netball program for their contributions.

“To our team, I want to thank each netballer and the wider program led by our brilliant head coach Nicole Richardson and outstanding captains Geva Mentor and Ash Brazill for their contribution, loyalty and commitment to our club.

“Each netballer who has come through the doors has made our Club better. The energy of our netballers, dedication to their craft and love of the game has been a key part of why this decision has been an incredibly difficult one to make.

“The training standards of our netballers is elite and they have been great role models for everyone connected to Collingwood.”

Netball Australia said it was “disappointed” with the move but was already in talks for replacement team to come in for the 2024-2026 seasons.

“While we are disappointed by Collingwood‘s decision, we thank them for their participation in the Suncorp Super Netball competition,” said Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan.

League statement on Collingwood Netball. https://t.co/x2u6tDayF9

— Netball Australia (@NetballAust) May 25, 2023

“In recent times it had become clear that Collingwood‘s priorities had shifted away from netball to focus on its core business of football.

“We are understanding of the impact Collingwood‘s decision has had on its current players and staff, and we will support them during this time.

“We are currently talking to interested parties and look forward to communicating the next steps as this process unfolds.

“The growth of netball in Australia is strong, with more than one million participants across the country. We are proud of the Suncorp Super Netball competition, and it remains the number one professional league in the world.”