Geelong Netball Club says it will go after Suncorp Super Netball licence, but not for years
With Collingwood possibly on the way out of super netball, Geelong has flagged a long-term goal of joining the competition. But here is why it won’t go hard just yet.
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Geelong “will take the next step” and push for a Suncorp Super Netball side but not for several years as the region lacks a suitable stadium.
A shockwave was sent through the eight-team SSN competition last week when Collingwood Magpies raised the prospect of abandoning its side due to financial crunch.
Netball Tasmania has come out publicly as keen to swoop in and take up Collingwood’s spot if the club does abandon netball.
While Geelong Netball Club is keen to step into the national league and has flagged that as a long-term goal, it will not apply for a licence.
The club said a venue in the region was “not currently available” but there were hopes the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games will help build a facility.
No money was flagged for the Commonwealth Games in this week’s state budget, with the games to be played in regional areas, including Geelong.
Geelong will host outdoor sports such as swimming, cricket, hockey, triathlon and beach volleyball, as well as inside sports weightlifting and artistic gymnastics.
“The club has recently completed a strategic plan taking us through until 2028 which does include as one of our longer term goals, being in a position to secure a SSN licence when the opportunity arises,” Geelong Netball Club said it a statement.
“To do this we must have an appropriate local venue for training and to host SSN games. Such a facility is not currently available in Geelong and we are optimistic that new facilities being built for the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be made available for this purpose. We will continue to work with the City of Greater Geelong, Netball Victoria and other stakeholders to realise this goal.
“When the time is right and all the required resources are in place, we will take the next step in establishing a SSN team in Geelong.”
The club said it would put its current focus on extending its VNL licence, which expires in June, until 2028.
The Geelong Cougars currently sit third on the VNL championship ladder, with an 8-1 record.
The club has spoken to the Geelong Football Club about whether the Cats would be interested in entering netball but it is not expected to form a partnership.
The Cats have also spoken in recent years about the need for more sporting facilities in the region, with the club’s VFLW side plying its trade at Deakin University, which is low on changerooms.
Geelong United basketball has also lead a push for an elite stadium to be built in the region.
Geelong Netball Club said it hoped Collingwood would retain its team.
Originally published as Geelong Netball Club says it will go after Suncorp Super Netball licence, but not for years
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