Super Netball 2023: Jamaica reveals final breakdown of World Cup squad

All seven Jamaicans playing Super Netball made the nation’s initial World Cup squad, but the final cut has included some surprise calls from one of Australia’s biggest threats.

Romelda Aiken-George’s stunning netball comeback continues to gather steam, with the Super Netball star winning a spot in Jamaica’s starting team for the World Cup and Collingwood Magpies goaler Shimona Nelson left in the reserves.

All seven Jamaicans playing Super Netball were named in the Sunshine Girls’ initial squad of 15 named last week.

But the breakdown of the 12-player squad that will take part in the tournament and the three reserves was not revealed until Thursday, with Nelson’s listing outside the main squad a major shock.

The Collingwood Magpies shooter sits third among goal scorers in Super Netball heading into the final round of fixtures this weekend, with 567, just behind Jamaican captain Jhaniele Fowler (709) – the woman rated the world’s best goaler – and the Firebirds’ Donnell Wallam (626).

Aiken George, who was picked up by the NSW Swifts – initially as a training partner and then injury replacement for Sam Wallace – had 448 goals from 533 attempts (84 per cent) heading into the minor premiers’ final round against Adelaide at the weekend.

Romelda Aiken-George of the Swifts takes a shot. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It’s an incredible comeback for the 34-year-old, who sat out last season with the Queensland Firebirds while pregnant before being axed by the club she had spent 15 seasons with, winning three premierships.

Showing she was prepared to do whatever it took to extend her career, Aiken George was part of the Sunshine Girls squad that travelled to New Zealand last year just weeks after she had given birth to daughter Gianna.

While she did not take the court during that series, she played in the Fast5 world championships in New Zealand last November – lining up at both goal shooter and goal keeper – just three months after giving birth.

Collingwood goal shooter Shimona Nelson. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Jamaica is among the favourites for the World Cup, starting in July, after beating Australia in the round stages at last year’s Commonwealth Games and pushing the Diamonds in the final before finishing with the silver medal.

Nelson, whose career will be in limbo after the Collingwood Magpies play their final Super Netball match in Launceston on Saturday, could still play a part in the World Cup, with reserves able to be inserted into a team in case of injury or illness during the tournament.

Diamond done: Star picks ‘right time’ to retire

– Erin Smith

Former Australian Diamond and Super Netball stalwart April Brandley will play her last game on Sunday – announcing her retirement because “it just feels like the right time”.

The 33-year-old launched her elite career in 2011 – signing as a replacement player for the Queensland Firebirds.

She has since played for the NSW Swifts, West Coast Fever and Collingwood Magpies before going full circle and returning to her home state of New South Wales to play for the Giants.

“I’ve been thinking about (retiring) for a while and I’ve but a lot of thought into it. I’ve been playing for a long time and coming into this year it was on my radar but I wasn’t over thinking it,” Brandley said.

“But it feels like the right time and I’m happy and excited for what’s next.”

Brandley said her decision leave was not related to the ongoing dispute between the players’ association and Netball Australia over the new Collective Player’s Agreement - which has left clubs unable to offer contracts to players for the 2024 season and beyond.

The defender said she wasn’t too sure about “what next” was and said it was almost impossible to picture a life without training and games.

Giant April Brandley with her son Clay celebrated her 150th Super Netball game in late May. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“I’m looking forward to more family time and having a bit of a rest,” Brandley said.

“I’m not too sure what it all looks like but I would love to still be involved in the sport as it has given me so much and I’d love to give back in some way.

“But at the moment I’m just excited for a break until I find my feet.”

Brandley’s highlight reel would be a long one but she said the stints with Diamonds would always be near the top of her list.

She debuted with the national team in 2013 and went on to play 39 games and win silver medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 World Cup.

Not long after the World Cup Brandley stepped away from the game to become a mum to son Clay.

Brandley thought her career was over then but a call from Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald reignited her passion and saw her back on the court for the 2020 season.

It was a tough return thanks to Covid-19 leaving her locked in hubs in Queensland with her son and husband Jason.

But Brandley didn’t take long to find her form winning the Giants’ Players’ Player award in 2021.

April Brandley in action for the Diamonds in 2019. Photo: Getty Images

“You have moments when you make a decision where you get buyer’s remorse but I’ve put a thought of though into this,” Brandley said.

“In some ways I’ve been through it before because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to come back after having my son. But the last four years with the Giants have been really special – living my dream of being a mum and playing the sport which I love.”

Fitzgerald said it had been a privilege to coach Brandley.

“It’s been an absolute honour to call April a Giant for the past four seasons,” she said.

“As a talented NSW junior, she was someone I had admired and wanted to coach for a little while, so it’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to coach her.

“April has brought so much to this team both on and off the court and has helped shape the standards and culture that help make the Giants who we are.”

With the Giants out of finals contention Brandley’s final game will be on Sunday at home against the Vixens.

Brandley thanking the crowd after her 150th Super Netball match. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“It’s a little bit disappointing, we would have liked to be further up the ladder, I don’t know if we reached our full potential as a team. But I’m confident next year will be one of those years that really solidifies the group and lights a fire in their belly for success down the track,” Brandley said.

“It’s sad (it will be my last game. It’s a big change but it’s not like I’m never going to talk to the girls again.

“I’m riding the waves of emotion now so it doesn’t hit me all at once at the game.

“I know I’ll feel emotional but I’m at peace as I know it is the right thing in my gut.”

Giants will play Vixens at Ken Rosewall Arena at 4pm on Sunday.

Originally published as Super Netball 2023: Jamaica reveals final breakdown of World Cup squad