Netball Tasmania vows to fight for Super Netball team against key rivals

Netball Tasmania has declared itself the frontrunner for a coveted Super Netball licence as expressions of interest open for two new teams to join the elite competition.

Tasmania could soon join the Super Netball competition. Photo: John Blake/Netball Tasmania

Netball Tasmania chief executive Penny Shearer believes the Apple Isle has “strong” elements which can support its bid for its own professional team.

The state’s governing body has already confirmed it will bid for an owner’s license in the Super Netball competition after the expressions of interest process opened last month.

Officials have extended interest for two new teams to join the competition which would see it expand to 10 sides.

Now Shearer has revealed she is confident of the process the direction could head in.

Tassie’s professional sporting team stable has extended in recent years with the arrival of the AFL team in 2028, along with two basketball teams – the JackJumpers and Jewels, who will play in the WNBL from 2026.

Tasmania has a wide range of young talent coming through which could look to stay in the region if the state is successful in getting a side in the Super Netball competition. Picture: May Bailey-Ireland | Clusterpix Photography

“There is no certainty but there’s probably some rumours that there’s a couple other regions that are keen, some of them might be Newcastle and Gold Coast,” Shearer said.

“So we’re keeping our ears to the ground to find out what that might look like and how we can make sure that we’re actually the number one option.

“There was an independent feasibility study that was done which probably ranked the three of us outside of the major cities that already have an SSN team, we were probably in the top three with them.

“So I think it will be tight to be honest but I think that we’ve got some really strong things that we can push forward for and we’ll make sure that we’ve put them in the bid.”

Netball Tasmania said if it enters a bid by the end of January 2026, their fate could be determined by March.

Shearer said any successful bid may not require a Super Netball reserves team.

“That’ll be part of the EOI process as well, it’ll be determining who’s ready to go, when, we’re thinking it may be as early as 2027 but it may not be until 2028,” Shearer said.

“I think probably from a pathway perspective, it’s always helpful to have that underpinning ready to go and already existing which we do to a degree.

“At the same time, you’ve got someone like Collingwood and both the (Melbourne) Mavericks, neither of which came in having those underpinning systems in place.

“So I think it’s not necessary but it’s helpful and will continue to build in that space while we look to do this bid as well, if it is 28, that’s (reserves) something we would definitely look to push for.”