Super Netball: The contenders for the eighth licence after Collingwood withdraws from the league
Netball Victoria is on a mission to keep two Super Netball teams in their state – but will they get its wish? Here are the contenders to replace Collingwood in the league.
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Netball Victoria is on a mission to keep the eighth Super Netball licence in its state declaring it a “netball stronghold” after Collingwood Netball club bailed out.
Collingwood Netball club, being owned by the football club, did not receive any financial support from Netball Victoria, nor did it have access to the 100,000-strong list of state members. It was highlighted as one of many reasons why the club failed to thrive in a special Code Sports investigation.
Netball Victoria released a statement, after the Magpies announced it was leaving the Super Netball competition at the end of the season, stating they would fight to keep the eighth licence in Victoria.
“We want to make it clear that this development does not reflect the robust health of the game across Victoria,” Netball Victoria said of Collingwood folding.
“Our state remains a netball stronghold and Netball Victoria is fully committed to growing the sport from grassroots to the elite level, ensuring there are thriving pathways for our athletes, officials and administrators.
“Netball Victoria is also fully committed to supporting a strong and vibrant SSN competition in 2024 and beyond.
“We believe having two Victorian-based SSN teams is important if we are to develop and retain the best netballers in this state and continue to encourage grassroots participation. “Victoria has the depth of players, officials and administrators, as well as the passionate netball fanbase, to enable two SSN teams to compete successfully, on and off the court.
“We are working closely with Netball Australia to ensure that Victoria continues to be appropriately represented in the national competition.
Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said: “We firmly believe Victoria has the talent and the fanbase to sustain two teams at the elite level and we are working closely with Netball Australia and the Victorian Government on the best way forward.”
Statement from Netball Victoria in response to enquiries regarding Collingwood Magpies’ decision to relinquish its Suncorp Super Netball licence at the end of the 2023 season: https://t.co/mlupxYhp3zpic.twitter.com/WdD9Xdg84F
— Netball Victoria (@netballvic) May 25, 2023
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan hinted the organisation had been approached by more than one club or state netball body for the eighth licence.
As part of the broadcast deal, the Super Netball competition must have eight teams for the 2024 season.
It doesn’t give the incoming club a lot of time to prepare.
She stopped short of naming the states or clubs but some of the favourites, including Gold Coast Titans and Geelong, have made it clear they are not in the position to enter the elite level competition at such short notice.
While Netball Tasmania, who have tried unsuccessfully before to get a seat in the SSN competition, were quick to declare they were ready to go.
Here is a look at the possible options for an eighth team in the Super Netball.
TASMANIA
For
Netball Tasmania says it is ready and waiting to take up the licence which in itself is a big win. Having just one team in the state, like Adelaide and Fever, means they get the lion’s share of members – they would not be fighting to steal fans from an existing SSN side. They also already have a top notch stadium ready and waiting in MyState Bank Arena which is used by the JackJumpers basketball side.
Against
Building an elite club from scratch in time for the start of the 2024 season would take a mammoth effort from Netball Tasmania.
BENDIGO
For
Bendigo will be the home of netball at the 2026 Commonwealth Games making it a perfect location for the next Super Netball team. Sunshine Coast Lightning has proved that regional teams can work, with most of their home games selling out this season. If Bendigo were to get the licence it would keep two netball teams in Victoria. There is a 4000 seat stadium in Bendigo, which is 1000 more than USC stadium, used by Lightning.
Against
Being regional could be Bendigo’s biggest drawback. Lightning is just an hour and 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD while Bendigo is almost a 2 hour drive – which could put metro SSN fans off making the trip out for games.
GEELONG
For
With an existing strong netball community, facilities and just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne Geelong could be an ideal spot for the new Super Netball team. It is just far enough from Melbourne to attract it’s own fanbase but not so far as to alienate those living in the City.
Against
The Geelong Cougars have ruled themselves out of being ready to take on the new licence in 2024. It would be a big ask for a regional team to be SSN ready and stay in a position to remain financially stable in time for next season.
GOLD COAST TITANS
For
With teams already competing in the Sapphire and Ruby series in Queensland and more than 10,000 registered juniors the Titans are at least on the path to elite netball and have access to training and playing facilities.
Against
Is Queensland ready for a third Super Netball club? No other state has more than two clubs in the Super Netball competition.
CANBERRA
For
ACT have a strong netball competition, which includes a men’s league. They have an established grassroots pathway and a spot in the national competition would give junior players something to aspire towards. Canberra is home to Gunners, who play in the national basketball competition, so facilities and stadiums fit to host netball won’t be an issue.
Against
Canberra have taken themselves out of the running for the licence so they clearly are not quite in a position to join the SSN.
NEW MELBOURNE TEAM
For
The formation of a new Melbourne team would allow Victoria to keep two Super Netball licences. If it isn’t attached to a particular football club it could attract members from regional areas such as Geelong and Bendigo.
Against
Forming a new club with short notice will be a challenge. It could also face the same problems as the Magpies if Netball Victoria are not directly linked to the club.
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Originally published as Super Netball: The contenders for the eighth licence after Collingwood withdraws from the league
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