Clubs begin training partner announcements

By Sophie Taylor

The 2024 season is almost upon us, and all eight Suncorp Super Netball clubs are ramping up their preparations.

Training partners play a key role within each club as they look to mimic the SSN environment and further develop the exciting pathways talent across the country.

We run through the training partners that have been named thus far.

ESTABLISHED HEADS IN THE MIX

Some established talent will boost training opportunities within their 2024 teams, as more players look to SSN to add to their skillset.

Former New Zealand captain Gina Crampton is the biggest surprise packet, signing with the GIANTS.

The wing attack will offer a tough battle on the training court, and will also combine with fellow former Silver Fern Sam Winders to bring a bit of the defensive flair the Ferns are known for, to the SSN court.

Jamaican goal shooter Shimona Jok (nee Nelson) has also rejoined the fray in a training partner position with Melbourne Mavericks, after missing out on a contract following the breakdown of Collingwood Netball.

Jok is a strong option at the post and has continued to build on her game since her SSN debut in 2019, making her a handy training option for Mavericks defenders Lauren Moore, Liv Lewis and Kim Jenner.

New Zealander Elle Temu has also made the move to SSN, linking up with the NSW Swifts after moving to Australia late last year.

Another former Fern, Temu bring plenty of flair to the defensive end with her great closing speed and elevation

PATHWAYS TALENT SHINING THROUGH

Multiple clubs have looked to their pathways talent to bolster their future ranks.

Eight players hailing from New South Wales have claimed a training partner position across three teams, with NSW Swifts naming four players from the pathway – including two returnees – and the GIANTS naming three, including former Swift and Magpie Kelly Singleton.

Former Swifts training partner Ali Miller has signed with the Queensland Firebirds following an outstanding 2023 Australian Netball Championships (ANC) performance. Four of the Swifts’ five players also played starring roles in that side, while the remaining two GIANTS training partners – Monika ‘Otai and Charli Fidler – also hail from that pathway event.

Plenty of Victorian athletes have also found homes for 2024, with eight named across the two Melbourne clubs and West Coast Fever.

Zoe Cransberg joins twin sister and recently elevated athlete Jordan at the Fever for another year, while the Mavericks have looked to Tongan talent Uneeq Palavi and former Magpies training partner Montana Holmes following their 2023 Victorian Netball League premiership performances.

2023 Australian Netball Championships MVP Emily Andrew has re-signed with the Vixens alongside three more returnees as newcomer Lily Graham joins the fray.

Ruth Aryang, sister to Origin Diamond Sunday, will return to West Coast Fever in 2024 after an injury-interrupted few years, while the Firebirds have welcomed two fresh faces in Lillyana Rennie and Sasha-May Flegling alongside goalers Miller and Rylee Burns.

Sunshine Coast Lightning have added a number of familiar faces to their extended squad, naming Annie Miller, Charlie Bell, Shannon Eagland and Maddie Hinchliffe so far, with more to come.

2024 TRAINING PARTNERS

GIANTS NETBALL
Kelly Singleton
Gina Crampton
Monika 'Otai
Charli Fidler

NSW SWIFTS
Audrey Little
Dakota Thomas
Jess Conlan
Elle Temu
Freddie Schneidman

WEST COAST FEVER
Ruth Aryang
Zoe Cransberg

QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS
Rylee Burns
Ali Miller
Lillyana Rennie
Sasha-May Flegler

MELBOURNE VIXENS
Emily Andrew
Ruby Barkmeyer
Maggie Caris
Gabby Coffey
Lily Graham

MELBOURNE MAVERICKS
Shimona Jok
Uneeq Palavi
Montana Holmes

SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
Annie Miller
Charlie Bell
Shannon Eagland
Maddie Hinchliffe