A new pilot program to bolster high performance pathway opportunities will be trialled during the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Developed in consultation with Member Organisations and Suncorp Super Netball teams and supported by the Australian Netball Players' Association, Super Netball Reserves will run over five weeks from June 1 to July 7.
Super Netball Reserves was established to support talent identification and to provide additional match play for athletes on the cusp of Suncorp Super Netball.
Seven Suncorp Super Netball teams will participate in the advanced match play pilot program, which will be open for fans to attend.
The Melbourne Mavericks expressed interest but will not participate in 2024 as they prioritise setting up a new team and high performance program for their inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season.
Super Netball Reserves will feature athletes who are in or on the cusp of Suncorp Super Netball, including training partners, state league players and other athletes.
It will also provide additional opportunities for umpires, coaches and team support staff.
In addition to Super Netball Reserves, this year all Suncorp Super Netball teams had the ability to upgrade a nominated athlete to their squad of 10 contracted athletes subject to selection criteria.
The pilot program will provide an additional pathway opportunity to Netball Australia's pathway programs National Netball Championships and Australian Netball Championships.
"We are excited to announce Super Netball Reserves will be trialled during the 2024 season," said Netball Australia interim CEO Stacey West.
"The concept has been led by the Suncorp Super Netball teams, who identified a greater need to support talent identification and provide additional match play for athletes on the cusp of Suncorp Super Netball.
"We have worked closely with our Member Organisations, Suncorp Super Netball teams and the Australian Netball Players' Association to develop this pilot program that will enhance high performance playing opportunities.
"Super Netball Reserves will be open to fans, with a number of matches to be played following Suncorp Super Netball matches.
"We will trial Super Netball Reserves this year and continue to look at how we can bolster playing opportunities and provide more pathway opportunities into the future."
SUPER NETBALL RESERVES FIXTURE:
Round 8
Saturday 1 June Firebirds v Fever 10:00am AEST Nissan Arena
Saturday 1 June Lightning v Thunderbirds 3:45pm AEST UniSC Arena
Saturday 1 June Vixens v GIANTS Post SSN match John Cain Arena
Sunday 2 June Lightning v Fever 12:00pm AEST UniSC Arena
Sunday 2 June Firebirds v Thunderbirds 4:00pm AEST Nissan Arena
Sunday 2 June Vixens v Swifts 11:00am AEST State Netball Centre, Parkville
Round 9
Saturday 8 June GIANTS v Firebirds 12:00pm AEST Ken Rosewall Arena
Saturday 8 June Swifts v Lightning Post SSN match Ken Rosewall Arena
Sunday 9 June Thunderbirds v Fever 8:45am AEST Netball SA Stadium
Sunday 9 June Swifts v Firebirds 11:00am AEST Ken Rosewall Arena
Sunday 9 June GIANTS v Lightning Post SSN match Ken Rosewall Arena
Round 10
Saturday 15 June GIANTS v Thunderbirds Post SSN match Ken Rosewall Arena
Saturday 15 June Lightning v Vixens 3:45pm AEST UniSC Arena
Sunday 16 June Firebirds v Vixens 11:30am AEST Nissan Arena
Sunday 16 June Fever v Swifts 5.30PM AWST Gold Netball Centre
Round 12
Saturday 29 June Thunderbirds v Vixens Post SSN Match Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Sunday 30 June Fever v GIANTS 5.30pm AWST Gold Netball Centre
Round 13
Saturday 6 July Firebirds v Lightning 2.45pm AEST Nissan Arena
Sunday 7 July Vixens v Fever Post SSN match John Cain Arena
Sunday 7 July Swifts v Thunderbirds Post SSN match Ken Rosewall Arena
Round 14
Sunday 14 July GIANTS v Swifts 11:00am AEST Ken Rosewall Arena
