Melbourne WNBL team revived, but it’s not how you’d think
After lying dormant — despite one club’s best efforts to revive it — the Melbourne name will fly again in the WNBL, as a former championship star returns.
Women's Sport
‘Blew up’: How Opals’ saviour beat the clock to make hoops history
Just when it looked like Australia would cruise to a first-ever Asia Cup gold, a Japan salvo threatened to cruelly rip away history. Here’s how a new Aussie hero beat the clock and rescued the Opals.
State of play! Australia’s best schoolboy rugby players revealed
The Australian Schools rugby championships threw up a clear winner in the battle between NSW and Queensland’s rising stars. Top players from every team and award winners.
Teenage running sensation dreams of athletics and AFLW success
A year on from becoming the first Warlpiri woman to compete at the Paralympics teenager Telaya Blacksmith is continuing her dream of competing at the top level with her sights now on the World Champs.
Tears shed as young Hockeyroo joined First Nations trailblazers
Nova and Brooke Peris, Lorelle Morrissey, Mariah Williams — and now Jamie-Lee Surha. Tears fell as the youngster became just the fifth Indigenous Hockeyroo. Here’s what made it even more poignant.
Grit, sizzle, a beast! Players Australian schoolgirls rugby coach wants
Tough girls with a penchant for physicality is just one of the traits the national schools coach is hunting for at the Australian schools sevens titles. But there’s one thing he considers most important.
‘Talented’: Hunt on for LA, Brisbane Olympic stars at schoolgirl 7s
Some are already making a mark. Others are waiting to be discovered. The hunt is on for Brisbane Olympic prospects – and budding Wallaroos – at the Australian girls rugby tournament
‘Blown away’: Teen weapons at junior girls rugby champs
There are sisters, tough nuts, weapons and daughters of rugby guns out to make their own marl. The NSW Sydney and County teens ready to unleash at the girls Australian rugby juniors
Horror footage shows cliff diver fall 22m
A 26-year-old high diver has officially withdrawn from her latest competition following a terrifying fall that sent her plunging several stories into the ocean.
The important message, Selwood connection driving Cat forward
Mikayla Bowen knows the impact Adam Selwood had on kick-starting her own AFLW career. On the eve of a seventh season, the Cats forward opens up on her mission to speak up on mental health.
Nine years, seven Grand Finals: The rivalry where AFLW was born
Before AFLW, there was Darebin vs Diamond Creek. It was the bitter rivalry fought in Melbourne’s northern suburbs which culminated in seven Grand Final battles across nine years.
AFLW mega track watch: The players ready to pop at your club
Position changes, injury news and the draftees who will change the AFLW – this is your one-stop shop for all the latest pre-season intel ahead of season 10.
AFLW keen on new Melbourne stadium, but won’t expand season
The AFL concedes its “breakneck-speed” expansion of the AFLW will slow – but insists there is a clear way forward for the competition.
NRLW stars recreate viral Coldplay scandal in try celebration
Cowboys pair add to list of epic try celebrations in 2025, debutant’s family’s 4000km dash from Darwin, Rooster’s lucky break – check out all the talking points from Round 3 of the NRLW season.
Teen sensation hands Bulldogs their first ever defeat in NRLW thriller
The Bulldogs undefeated run to start their inaugural NRLW campaign has come to an end, as teen sensation Kasey Reh claimed victory for the Dragons in the final play of the game.
‘If you run it straight I’ll handle you’: NRLW sisters collide for first time
They’ve played their whole lives together, but powerful Tauaneai sisters Trinity and Alexis will clash for the first time when the Bulldogs face the Dragons on Saturday.
Watch: Broncos debutant sent off for horror tackle
A shocking send off, a cross code star’s stunning performance and a Dragons star’s humble act. NRLW Tackle looks at all the biggest news and talking points from Round 2.
Two-game Diamond: Why Austin remains a priority for Aussie team
She’s only managed 25 minutes of Super Netball action this season, yet Thunderbirds goaler Lucy Austin remains firmly in the Diamonds’ future plans. Plus, the prelim final preview and more in Net Gains.
Super Netball trades: Mavs make move to lock in senior star
Mavericks have made a move to lock in a senior star as the Melbourne side eyes a rise up the Super Netball ladder in 2026. See every player’s status, and the key target for each club, here.
Super Netball’s top five Kiwi targets after major rule change
Netball New Zealand’s decision to relax strict eligibility rules has opened the door for more Kiwi stars to feature in Super Netball. Here are the five top targets Australian clubs should chase.
Why Super Netball title hopefuls must fear the Fever
Right now, it’s the West Coast Fever’s crown to lose, but their remaining title rivals – Swifts and Vixens – have shown how they could spoil the party if they earn the chance. These are the big talking points from the Super Netball semi finals.
‘Going to be in a wheelchair’: Cricket star’s health battle
One of the country’s most successful cricketers has opened up about living with a debilitating disease – and how she’s continued playing sport at the highest level.
WBBL gun eyes international opportunity
A WBBL off-spinner has revealed she’s eyeing off a move to play with her sister at international level fresh off a career changing opportunity.
Time to evolve: Voll hints at new-look power game for 2025 season
A stunning international debut last year announced Georgia Voll as a future superstar of Australian cricket. The best however is yet to come for the 21-year-old batting powerhouse.
World Cup winner loses CA contract
A six-time World Cup winner who for a long time was the world’s No.1 T20 bowler couldn’t make her way onto Cricket Australia’s contract list.
Replays: Hawks prevail in elimination final thriller
Hawks have prevailed in an absolute thriller over North East Blaze to kick off the VNL finals series. Watch REPLAYS of every week 1 final here.
Watch replays: Tasmanian Netball League finals, week 1
The first week of Tasmanian Netball League finals produced plenty of highlights, with one clash set to be remembered as an all-time classic. Watch all four REPLAYS here.
Watch replay: Garville extend winning run on road to finals
Garville will head into the Netball SA Premier League finals full of momentum after another win over Oakdale in the final round of the season on Friday. Watch the REPLAY here.
Watch replays: Demons hold on as Blaze left to lament missed chance
The Casey Demons picked up a confidence-boosting win ahead of the finals, while the Blaze will be left to wonder if they can compete with the top six next week. Watch the VNL REPLAYS.
Insight
Government called in to save historic WNBL team
All Adelaide Lightning players have been released from their contracts as the prospect of a WNBL season without a South Australian club reaches the state’s highest level of government.
‘A crucial step’: WNBL boss breaks silence on ownership battle
After months of negotiation between new ownership and WNBL clubs, CEO Jennie Sager has broken her silence, declaring the next era ‘a crucial step’ in unlocking basketball’s full potential.
America’s Cup women gearing up for new fight after shock loss
Shocked Australian sailors hugged and cried when bundled out of the women’s America’s Cup. A quick reset and they were gearing up for a new fight – and another crack at winning the event
‘Structural imbalance’ plagues women’s sport in Australia
2023 was a banner year for women’s sport in Australia, with the rise of the Matildas and the domination of our swimmers. But to those behind the scenes, there’s still plenty more to do.
Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/womens-sport