Super Netball trades 2022: Every team, every player, how your team stacks up for next season
Romelda Aiken-George went public with her dismay over having her post-baby comeback plans crushed by the Queensland Firebirds – and now the club has responded.
Veteran Jamaican goaler Romelda Aiken-George will not return to the Queensland Firebirds next season after she claims the club told her it was “too risky” to give her a deal for the 2023 Suncorp Super netball season.
Just days after the Firebirds confirmed goalshooter Donnell Wallam and Mia Stower would be retained for the 2023 season, Aiken-George took to social media to announce she had been told by the club there was no spot for her next season.
The Firebirds deny Aiken-George’s future at the club was in any way linked to her pregnancy, pointing to the club’s strong commitment to supporting mothers such as Gretel Bueta and Kim Ravaillion in the team.
The 33-year-old veteran of 198 Super games stepped aside before the first round of 2022, starting her maternity leave early so Wallam could get promoted from a training partner contract and get her opportunity with the Firebirds.
And, while fellow Firebird Gretel Bueta returned to playing just four months after the birth of her first child, Aiken-George will not be doing the same for the Firebirds although may yet emerge elsewhere in the SSN.
“Okay, so a lot of people has been asking if I’ll be playing for the firebirds next season, the answer is “NO”,” she wrote on Instagram.
“And that decision was not made by me, it was by the club.
“Too risky they say” So I will NOT be in the FIREBIRDS next season.”
Netball Queensland released a statement on Monday that did not specifically deny Aiken-George’s accusation, but insisted the club had made a decision on the back of performances in 2022 by their new attacking setup.
“Netball Queensland is aware of commentary surrounding Queensland Firebird Romelda Aiken-George and her recent social media post,” the club said.
“The Queensland Firebirds 2023 playing roster is incomplete, with the club shortly set to name a new Head Coach, and the remaining three contracted players, plus training partners still to be confirmed.
“This senior playing list is determined over months of scrutiny by our List Management Committee made up of the CEO, COO, GM of High Performance, Head Coach, coaching staff and Head of Elite Development.
“Gretel Bueta, Donnell Wallam and Mia Stower (two Australian Diamonds players and one consistent long-range shooter) developed a strong and proven combination during the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season.
“On Saturday night at the club’s gala awards event, and alongside other long-standing players also being recognised for their service to the club including teammate Gabi Simpson, and former Firebirds Peta Stephens and Laura Geitz, Romelda was honoured for her 15 years’ service, and spoke of her love for the club and its people and indicated that her playing future was yet to be determined.”
FIREBIRD ON THE MOVE AS STAR SIGNS
Adelaide Thunderbirds vice-captain Maisie Nankivell will be back in pink for 2023 after signing a one-year extension with the club but another midcourter has been dismissed.
The South Australian from Mundulla will enter her fourth season with the club after signing her first official contract in 2020.
It follows Thunderbirds announcing on Thursday the signing of English international Eleanor Cardwell.
Thunderbirds’ High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon said Nankivell was an integral part of the side and the club was thrilled to have her back.
“Maisie is a big part of this club and sets incredibly high standards in her preparation and dedication to our sport,” Bourdon said.
“She is a highly versatile player and has proven herself capable of playing in any of the mid-court positions.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Maisie in 2023.”
The midcourter starred in all 14 of the side’s games this year putting together 255 assists and eight intercepts.
Nankivell said she was excited to sign with the club she loves.
“I’m always so proud to pull on the pink dress – the Thunderbirds were always the team I loved growing up, so knowing I’m here for another year really does mean a lot,” Nankivell said.
“I’m really excited about this group and the potential we have to be successful in 2023.”
Nankivell joins already contracted Thunderbirds Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Hannah Petty, Shamera Sterling, and Latanya Wilson on the club’s list for 2023, as well as Cardwell.
Thunderbirds confirmed on Friday afternoon that midcourter Elle McDonald would not be part of the club’s contracted 10 players in 2023.
McDonald joined the Thunderbirds ahead of the 2021 season and has played 25 games in the pink dress.
Thunderbirds High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon thanked McDonald for her contribution to the club, both on and off the court.
“Elle has had a big impact on our club as both a player and a person over these past two years,” Bourdon said.
“We would like to thank her for everything she has done for the Thunderbirds, and we wish her the very best for the future.”
FIREBIRDS LOSE DEFENDER
Queensland Firebirds have confirmed defender Kim Jenner has rejected the offer of a new contract in order to chase an opportunity elsewhere in the Super Netball league.
Jenner, a goal keeper, played just nine of the 14 games this season – following the spectacular pairing of rookie Ruby Bakewell-Doran and English international Eboni Usori-Brown in the circle.
The 24-year-old has donned the purple for six seasons.
“I’ve been with the Birdies for six years of my life now and it’s really sad to be leaving all the people I love there,” Jenner said.
“They’ve given me so many opportunities as a player and person, but I’m really excited for the next opportunity I do have and where that takes me.”
‘KJ’ made her debut for the Firebirds in 2017, and impressed immediately, before going on to secure a spot in the Australian Diamonds squad.
The Queensland Firebirds family will greatly miss this exciting defender, wish her all the very best in her new adventures and look forward to wonderful on-court battles in 2023.
THUNDERBIRDS LANDS ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL STAR
Adelaide Thunderbirds have confirmed what many Super Netball fans had already worked out – English international Eleanor Cardwell will be joining the South Australian outfit for the 2023 season.
Speculation about Cardwell joining the Thunderbirds went into overdrive this week after the goaler announced she was departing Manchester Thunder to chase an opportunity abroad.
With Thunderbirds down a shooter after parting ways with Lenize Potgieter – pink army fans were hopeful Cardwell was the missing piece.
The 27-year-old has made her mark on the international stage for England and was a key
factor in Manchester Thunder’s premiership victory in the Vitality Netball Superleague
this year.
The GA/GS shot 641 goals from 21 games in 2022, ranked fourth in the VNSL despite playing predominantly in goal attack, and notched up 244 feeds.
At the 2022 VNSL Awards, she took home the Fans’ Player of the Season and was named
Players’ Player of the Season by her peers.
Thunderbirds’ High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon said the club was excited to
welcome a player of Cardwell’s calibre.
“With four VNSL Premierships and 39 international caps to her name, Eleanor brings great
knowledge and experience to our side,” Bourdon said.
“Her ability to play both goal attack and goal shooter gives us versatility and she has proven
her capacity to shoot from range.
“From holding shooter to a dynamic play maker, she can certainly keep the defenders
guessing and we look forward to working with her next season.”
Cardwell said she was thrilled to be joining the Thunderbirds.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity to represent the Adelaide Thunderbirds – the team looks
very exciting and full of talent,” Cardwell said.
“I can’t wait to get to Australia, meet the girls and get stuck in. Bring on the 2023 season.”
Cardwell will represent the England Roses at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this
July/August.
She joins already contracted Thunderbirds Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Hannah Petty,
Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson on the club’s list for 2023.
Thunderbirds are yet to confirm if young shooter Tippah Dwan will be back for a second season.
FIREBIRDS STAR BACK FOR 11TH SEASON
Firebirds are pressing on with player announcements, confirming Gabi Simpson will be back for her 11th season, despite having yet to confirm a new coach for the 2023 season.
Simpson, 29, starred in all 14 rounds of the 2022 Super Netball season, putting on a career best performance.
Unfortunately the team fell just short of a chance to fight for the top title.
The wing defender said this year felt like “the one that got away”.
“To me it showed we’ve got the framework of something special here,” Simpson said.
“Now the challenge is to ensure we unlock the full potential of what we have and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that in 2023.”
Simpson’s netball record to date shines bright, having played in four successive grand finals for the Firebirds, with two premierships to her name.
But this former Firebirds captain and Liz Ellis Diamond award winner, isn’t done yet as she continues to learn and improve on her way to striving for further premiership glory in the purple dress.
Simpson adds to Firebirds confirmed line-up of Gretel Bueta, Donnell Wallam, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Mia Stower, Lara Dunkley, Kim Ravaillion – leaving three spots still up for grabs.
The club is also yet to announce who will replace Megan Anderson as coach.
MAGPIES SHAKE UP THEIR ATTACK
Collingwood Magpies could be on the hunt for a goaler after confirming Gabrielle Sinclair would not be offered a new contract with the club for the 2023 season.
Sinclair joined Collingwood as a training partner in 2017, playing for the club’s Australian Netball League side, the Tasmanian Magpies.
She was elevated to the senior list in 2019 and went on to claim the starting goal attack position for the 2020 campaign. Sinclair, 28, has played 47 Super Netball games.
It could pave the way for training partner Nyah Allen to be elevated into the starting 10.
Allen took to the court on several occasions this season as Covid-19 swept through the competition, including the Round 4 win over Lightning, where she netted 11 of her 13 shots and three super shots.
Firebirds lock in rising stars
The Queensland Firebirds have locked in rising stars Donnell Wallam and Ruby Bakewell-Doran for 2023, taking the two biggest free agents in the game off the table before other clubs could snap up the Diamonds squad members.
The Firebirds signed just three members of their full-time roster to two-year deals last year when all players in the league were off-contract.
Failing to lock down the pair, who have both risen to Diamonds squad representatives after just one year in the league, would be disastrous for the Firebirds but by locking them in, they now have the nucleus of a successful squad for next season.
Wallam said re-signing was a no-brainer.
“It was an easy decision for me,” Wallam said.
While no decision has yet been made on a replacement for coach Megan Anderson, Wallam said she was comfortable re-signing, believing the Firebirds were building a strong group and culture.
“I am confident within our group that the staff has made the right decision but I think yeah, we’ve got a good culture at the club, so it’ll be smooth sailing, I think.
“The culture at the club is good and it’s something I want to be a part of, so it kind of made my decision easy.”
West Australian product Wallam made an immediate impact on arrival at the Firebirds, slotting in seamlessly for the pregnant Romelda Aiken-George and forming a winning combination in the circle with Diamonds goaler Gretel Bueta.
It’s something she hopes can get even better after the pair have a full pre-season together.
“I get to experience a full pre-season with the with the girls, so I think that’s going to be a huge win for us as well because I actually get to settle into the team before we start the season,” she said.
Bakewell-Doran also said re-signing was an easy decision after a stellar rookie year in which she went from bench player to Diamonds squad member.
“I think when you get your first contract, it’s really exciting, but to know that I’ve had a good enough season to be re-offered is just a really nice feeling, you feel very secure and wanted,” she said.
“To see how close we came (to finals) this year … taking that into next season is so exciting to know what we are actually capable of.”
As travelling reserves, both Wallam and Bakewell-Doran will head into camp with the Diamonds in Perth next week and journey to the UK with the squad to help them prepare for the Commonwealth Games.
And both are looking forward to the momentum it will give their games.
“For me, just even being a reserve player was a bonus,” Wallam said.
“I get the opportunity to be a part of the training camp and travel with the team and just experience a bit of international netball - just without the pressure of performing, I guess.”
Bakewell-Doran too, is intent on making the most of her opportunity.
“I feel like I’m such a sponge at the moment, learning so much from all the girls and from Stacey (Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich) … and I’ve still got so much to go,” defender Bakewell-Doran said.
“It’s such an exciting opportunity and I really do hope that I can bring back all those learnings to the Firebirds and keep growing.”
Swifts show faith in teenage star
NSW Swifts have become the second club to finalise their roster for 2023, with teenage goaler Sophie Fawns winning the last full-time contract for next season.
Fawns, who was a temporary replacement player this season after Sam Wallace suffered a season-ending injury in the opening round, beat fellow shooter Kelly Singleton for the final roster position.
The Wagga Wagga teenager made an immediate impact in the world’s toughest netball competition and coach Briony Akle said she had full faith the youngster’s rapid development would continue.
“For Sophie to perform like she did on that stage with little preparation is a real demonstration of the raw talent she possesses,” Akle said.
“I feel we have only scratched the surface with Sophie and there is still a lot of work to do. Raw talent is wasted if it isn’t matched with hard work but Sophie is a great young woman with a good attitude and she is eager to learn and develop her game.”
Meanwhile, West Coast Fever international Stacey Francis-Bayman has announced that she will not return to the club in 2023, drawing a close to her career after the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The England Roses defender was a member of the Fever’s premiership side and has played for the club since the inception of Super Netball in 2017.
Fever have yet to finalise their squad but will retain most members of their premiership side.
Firebirds axe fan favourite
After six seasons and just over 50 games, Jemma Mi Mi has played her final game in a purple dress after being axed by the Queensland Firebirds.
Off contract at the end of the season, Mi Mi was not offered a new deal for 2023, with the club making the announcement on social media on Monday morning.
“Netball Queensland would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge Jemma Mi Mi for her contribution to the Queensland Firebirds both on and off the court for the past six seasons,” a statement said.
“The decision to not offer Jemma a new contract hasn’t been made lightly. We are grateful for all she has shared with her purple family and wish her all the very best in 2023 and beyond.”
Until this season, Mi Mi was the only First Nations player in the competition.
She was joined at the Firebirds by goaler Donnell Wallam this season.
Wallam is also off-contract, having been offered a one-year deal as a temporary replacement player for Romelda Aiken, who is on maternity leave.
Mi Mi spoke to News Corp earlier this year about her determination to be known as an elite netballer, rather than just an Indigenous player.
The 26-year-old turned in some outstanding performances this season, none better than in the club’s stunning First Nations round upset of premiers West Coast Fever in Perth.
But she has also battled calf and achilles injuries in the past two seasons.
Now a free agent, Mi Mi can be picked up by any club with space on their list, with the free agency trade period starting today, although few clubs have midcourt players off contract for 2023.
Defender locked in by Swifts
NSW Swifts have shored up another defender ahead of the 2023 season with Teigan O’Shannassy committed to the club for next year.
A Manly Warringah junior, O’Shannassy earnt a full-time contract with the Swifts for 2022 and has been re-signed by coach Briony Akle.
“To see Teigan really settle at the elite level is wonderful for her, and us as a team,” Akle said.
“She had a tough time with injuries in recent years but over the past 12 months Teigan has demonstrated that she belongs at this level and can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
O’Shannassy is now looking to take her game to the next level.
“I have loved getting the opportunity to be a part of this Club and making my debut in Round 3 was a moment I’ll never forget,” O’Shannassy said.
“In that game we wore our yellow heritage dress and when you think of the great defenders
Swifts’ ‘good egg’ secures new deal
Premiership-winning defensive midcourter Allie Smith has re-signed with NSW Swifts for the 2023 Super Netball season.
Smith, who won a premiership with Melbourne Vixens in 2020, made the move to Sydney in 2022 and played in all 14 regular-season games this year as the seven-time premiers made a late charge for a fourth consecutive finals appearance after an injury and Covid-affected campaign.
Swifts head coach Briony Akle said Smith had proven to be an excellent fit.
“I think anyone watching Allie’s performances in the back-end of the season could see that she had really found her groove, and she was a standout in us pushing the Fever to the brink and then getting past the Firebirds,” Akle said.
Smith said looking elsewhere to play in 2023 was never an option.
“I have loved every minute of my time at the Swifts so far,” she said.
Free agency mayhem set to start
-Emma Greenwood
The external focus might be on the finals but backroom staff at all eight Super Netball clubs have spent the past week bunkered down to make tough calls, with lists of their contracted players submitted to Netball Australia on Friday.
The free agent list will be distributed to clubs next week, with franchises able to sign any off-contract players from July 4, the day after the grand final.
With the league in the first season of a two-year Collective Players Agreement (CPA) though, there will not be mass movement.
Most athletes signed two-year deals last year when every player in the league came off contract and the majority of clubs will experience little movement.
The Giants became the first club to lock in their side for 2023 when they re-signed Amy Sligar, Matisse Letherbarrow and Lauren Moore for next year, while fellow finalists the Vixens (one player off contract) and Fever (two) will also retain the majority of their sides.
The Queensland Firebirds announced the resignation of coach Megan Anderson during the week, while English international Eboni Usoro-Brown — who had only agreed to a one-year deal — headed home on Friday to prepare for the Commonwealth Games with the England Roses.
Adelaide Thunderbirds are also reviewing their list, with goaler Lenize Potgieter not offered another deal for 2023.
The Thunderbirds need to make some big decisions on their attack end, with fellow shooter Tippah Dwan also off contract, along with three other teammates.
Coach Tania Obst’s position is also understood to be under review, with the mentor the only Super Netball coach not re-signed for at last two seasons last year.
Scroll down to see the full list of Super Netball players and their contract status.
Super Netball contracts
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
Contracted until 2023: Shamera Sterling, LaTanya Wilson, Hannah Petty, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus; Off contract: Tippah Dwan, Ellie McDonald, Maisie Nankivell,
Tayla Williams;
Outs: Lenize Potgieter (free agent)
Coach: Tania Obst - off contract
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES
Contracted until 2023: Sophie Garbin, Shimona Nelson, Kelsey Browne, Molly Jovic,
Ash Brazill, Geva Mentor, Jodie-Ann Ward; Off contract: Jacqui Newton, Gabby Sinclair,
Maggie Lind.
Coach: Nicole Richardson - 2023
GIANTS NETBALL
Contracted until 2023: Jo Harten, Sophie Dwyer, April Brandley, Jamie-Lee Price,
Amy Parmenter, Maddie Hay, Tilly McDonell; Off contract: Amy Sligar (re-signed 2023),
Matisse Letherbarrow (re-signed 2023), Lauren Moore (re-signed 2023).
Coach: Julie Fitzgerald - 2023
MELBOURNE VIXENS
Contracted until 2023: Liz Watson, Kate Moloney, Jo Weston, Mwai Kumwenda, Kiera Austin, Kate Eddy, Emily Mannix, Rahni Samason, Hannah Mundy; Off contract: Olivia Lewis.
Coach: Simone McKinnis - 2025
NSW SWIFTS
Contracted until 2023: Maddy Proud, Paige Hadley, Sarah Klau, Maddy Turner, Sam Wallace, Helen Housby, Tayla Fraser, Allie Smith, Teigan O’Shannassy, Sophie Fawns; Off contract: Kelly Singleton.
Coach: Briony Akle - 2023
QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS
Contracted until 2023: Gretel Bueta, Lara Dunkley, Kim Ravaillion, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Donnell Wallam; Off contract: Gabi Simpson, Kim Jenner, Romelda Aiken-George, Mia Stower.
Outs: Jemma Mi Mi (free agent), Eboni Usoro-Brown (returned to England)
Coach: Megan Anderson - resigned
SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
Contracted until 2023: Steph Wood, Cara Koenen, Tara Hinchliffe, Mahalia Cassidy, Karla Pretorius, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Reilley Batcheldor, Laura Scherian, Kate Walsh; Off contract:
Annie Miller, Maddie Hinchliffe.
Coach: Kylee Byrne - 2023
WEST COAST FEVER
Contracted until 2023: Jhaniele Fowler, Courtney Bruce, Rudi Ellis, Sunday Aryang, Jess Anstiss, Sasha Glasgow, Alice Teague-Neeld, Verity Charles; Off contract: Stacey Francis-Bayman, Emma Cosh.
Coach: Dan Ryan - 2023
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