There are some huge netball names likely to find themselves in new colours in 2024. Is your favourite player on the move?
It has already been a big few months in Suncorp Super Netball signing news, with a number of stars set to depart their current clubs.
Here we detail the latest news on the player movement front.
Olivia Lewis leaves the Vixens November 30
She featured in 24 matches for the Vixens across two seasons.
General Manager of Vixens, Performance & Pathways Megan Simpson thanked Lewis for her contribution to the club.
“Liv has brought great energy to our environment over the past two seasons, and we thank her for her contribution to the club,” said Simpson.
“It was a significant decision for Liv to move across the country to join us two years ago and we’re proud of how much she has contributed to our group in her time with us. While we know our fans will be disappointed not to see Liv in navy next season, we wish her the best as she takes on a new opportunity.”
Lewis was thankful for her time with the club.
“I am so grateful for the way I was embraced by not only the club, but the fans and the wider netball community in Victoria,” said Lewis.
“I’ll always cherish my time at the Vixens, and am so grateful that I was able to be a small part of such an amazing club. I wish the girls and the club nothing but the best in 2024 and beyond.”
Verity Simmons announces retirement November 24
Simmons has made the decision to retire. “At the top level, you need to be all in, at all times. Personally, I think it would be selfish of me to continue my netball journey with West Coast Fever, when there will no doubt be someone else itching to take my place," she said.
“I will miss this great club, this amazing team and the incredible Green Army more than I can put into words, but I know this is the right decision.
“I’m looking at it as not retired, more like 11 years not out.”
West Coast Fever Head Coach Dan Ryan praised Simmons for everything she's given to the club.
"No one epitomises team spirit and competitive grit better than our Vez and the legacy she leaves behind in the green dress will help to drive the future of West Coast Fever. Her work ethic was unrivalled and her ability to dig deep in the face of adversity was so inspiring. Those traits were complemented with great humility, infectious positivity and a touch of grace in everything she did. That’s a legacy to be proud of!" Ryan said.
Firebirds farewell defender
Unie was not offered a new contract with the Firebirds. Netball Queensland wished her well in a statement on the Firebirds' website.
"The decision not to offer Ash a new contract hasn’t been taken lightly and we wish her all the very best for 2024 and beyond," the club said.
Lightning part ways with Scherian November 8
The Sunshine Coast Lightning have announced they will not be offering midcourter Laura Scherian a contract next year.
Scherian is a two-time premiership player with the Lightning and will depart the club following a seven-year career on the Sunny Coast.
“While the decision was not mine and I am disappointed with how my time at Lightning ended, I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and experiences," Scherian said.
Defenders depart Fever October 27
"On behalf of the Green Army, I want to thank Rudi and Kim for their dedication to Fever and they will always be part of the Fever Family."
Fever let go of premiership player October 27
Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion thanked Cosh for her time at the club.
Cosh has played her last match for West Coast Fever. “Coshy will always hold a special place at Fever as maiden premiership player and the important role she played in that historic moment for our Club,” Gaudion said.
“She will always be part of the Fever Family and on behalf of the Green Army I want to thank her for her dedication and commitment to the Club.”
Dwan flies the nest October 20
Another star Thunderbird has today informed the club that they will be exploring options elsewhere this signing window, with energetic goaler Tippah Dwan turning down an offer from the South Australians.
Dwan thanked the club and its Pink Army for their support over the past two seasons.
“Adelaide has been my home for the last two years and I can’t thank the Thunderbirds enough for letting me be a part of their family over this time,” Dwan said.
“Winning a premiership with this group of girls has been a dream come true and doing it every week in front of the Pink Army makes it even more special.
“I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my life and the new opportunities that arise.”
Dwan joined the Thunderbirds in 2022 and played 24 games in the pink dress across two seasons and became a premiership player for the club in 2023.
Nankivell farewells Thunderbirds October 6
Premiership player Maisie Nankivell has advised the Adelaide Thunderbirds that she won't be donning the pink dress in 2024.
The South Australian has spent five seasons with the Thunderbirds and is ready for a new adventure.
Nankivell expressed that her time with the Thunderbirds will always hold a place in her heart.
“Adelaide has always been home for me, and I know I’m really going to miss being a part of this club,” Nankivell said.
South Australian Maisie Nankivell spent five years with the Thunderbirds. “The memories and friendships I have made are something I can cherish for a lifetime.
“However, I’m excited for a new adventure and can’t wait to get started.”
The club's High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon recognised Nankivell's significant contribution to the Adelaide Thunderbirds over the years.
“Maisie has been with us since 2019 and has had a real impact on our team and club, especially through her strong training ethic and high fitness standards,” Bourdon said.
“She played a leadership role for us in 2021 and 2022 and we thank her for everything she has contributed to the Thunderbirds both on and off the court.
“We wish Maisie all the best for the future.”Cardwell turns down Thunderbirds September 30
“Thank you to the pink army for accepting me and helping me make memories that will last a lifetime,” Cardwell said.
“This year has been incredible with the team and we've made history along the way. Lifting the premiership trophy after knowing the history of the club makes that feeling even sweeter.
“Adelaide will always have a special place in my heart and I already can't wait to come back and visit - once again, thank you!”
“Eleanor had a big impact on our side, both on and off the court, and we’re disappointed to see her go,” Bourdon said.
“We thank her for everything she has done for us and wish her all the best for the future.”Moore leaves GIANTS September 29
Moore expressed her thanks to the club and excitement for change.
“Even though change is scary, I'm so excited for the opportunity to dive into something new where I hope to continue to grow and thrive as both a player and person.
“Whilst it’s only been a short stint for Lauren at our club, she has made a great contribution to the GIANTS family,” Fitzgerald said.
“Lauren had some standout performances for us at the backend of the season and it’s a shame we won’t be seeing her continue her future in the orange and charcoal."
Defender Lauren Moore is set to depart her home state of NSW. Bueta to spend time with family in 2024 September 29
Firebirds announce second departure September 28
Queensland Firebirds have announced a second departure for the week, with Queensland pathways product Mia Stower departing the club after 24 games following her debut in 2020.
A contracted player through out the 2022/23 seasons, Stower played 12 matches in 2023, scoring 61 goals including 16 Suncorp Super Shots.
“Mia has been a wonderful part of the club, and we wish her well for the future,” Firebirds head coach, Bec Bulley said.
“We thank her for all of her efforts while at the Firebirds.”
Simpson departs Firebirds
September 25
Queensland Firebirds have announced that former captain Gabi Simpson has not been offered a contract for the upcoming 2024 season.
After 11 years and 157 national league games in Firebirds purple, Simpson will depart the club following four grand final appearances - including two wins in 2015 and 2016 - and the 2017 Liz Ellis Diamond Award under her belt.
Head coach Bec Bulley paid tribute to Simpson's immense contribution to the club, both on and off the court.
“It’s been an absolute honour to play alongside and then coach a Firebirds legend such as Gabi,” Bulley said.
“Her contribution to the Firebirds on and off the court has been incalculable. Whether setting the standards for her teammates with her dedication to her netball craft or creating a culture and legacy of what it means to be a Firebird, Gabi has been front and centre throughout her career."
Watson spreads her wings September 21
Origin Diamonds captain Liz Watson will feature at a new SSN club in 2024 after the Melbourne Vixens today confirmed that the 134-game veteran will seek a new home in the upcoming player signing window.
Watson, who debuted for the Vixens in 2014, collected two premierships with the Melbourne club and was named the club's most valuable player on four occasions.
Vixens Head Coach Simone McKinnis OAM said it was difficult to put into words the impact Watson has had on the club.
“It’s difficult to quantify the impact of a player like Lizzy on our club,” McKinnis said.
“Over 10 years she’s created an invaluable legacy of driving standards, building a positive and supportive team culture and engaging with our Victorian netball community which is something she should be proud of, and we thank Liz for that lasting contribution.”
Watson expressed her gratitude for the opportunities the Vixens have given her across her decade at the club and expressed her admiration for the Victorian netball community.
“Being able to play in Victoria, my home state, for such a long time has been incredible,” Watson said.
“The Vixens family has given me so many amazing opportunities and I have loved being a part of the netball community here in Victoria, and it’s something I’m passionate about continuing to pursue.”
Liz Watson is on the move. Parmenter departs GIANTS September 21
Parmenter joined the GIANTS as a training partner in the club’s inaugural season in 2017 before earning a full-time contract ahead of the 2019 season and has since played 72 games for the GIANTS, winning two Members’ Player of the Year Awards (2019 and 2020) and a Players’ Player Award (2022).
GIANTS coach Julie Fitzgerald was disappointed with the news about the star wing defence but respected Parmenter's decision.
“Amy is one of the best defensive midcourters in the game so of course we’re disappointed to lose her, but that’s sport,” Fitzgerald said.
Parmenter stated that she will always cherish her time at the GIANTS, but is anxiously excited about what lays ahead.
“I have had some of my best days in orange and will hold onto many of those moments so tightly for the rest of my netball career and beyond." Parmenter said.
“This has been such a tough decision, and the challenge ahead is way out of my comfort zone, but I am excited for the growth that comes with that.”
Amy Parmenter has told the GIANTS she will be changing clubs in 2024. Pretorius returning to South Africa September 21
One of the league’s best defenders Pretorius thanked the club for her time with them, not ruling out returning in the future.
Pretorius won two premierships with the Lightning.
“I wish Lightning all the success in 2024 and I’ll be watching from afar. I’m not ruling out anything if the opportunity arises in the future.”
Lightning head coach Belinda Reynolds recognised Pretorius’ contribution to the club.
“She has been instrumental in the success of the club over the years, and seeing her come
back in 2023 after having her first child was truly inspirational. I wish her nothing but the best and hope she enjoys her time with her family in South Africa.”
Premiership captain farewells Fever
September 12
West Coast Fever premiership captain Courtney Bruce has advised the club she will not don the green dress in 2024.
Bruce has announced she's on the move for 2024. Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion expressed the club’s disappointment to see Bruce leave but supported the defender’s decision.
“After sitting down with Courtney and her manager, our club has a full understanding of her rationale to seek a change in environment,” she said.
“While we are disappointed that will not be in the West Coast Fever environment, when we have the knowledge of what Courtney wants and needs, why would we stand in her way to seek out the best for herself."
Bruce reflected on her time at the club but is excited for the future.
“I am forever grateful for my time at Fever, I started at the club as a young 16-year-old and have had 12 incredible seasons in the green. I always dreamed about playing for Fever and to have been a part of so much success at this club brings me so much joy and pride,” she said.
“I feel like this is the time for me to seek an opportunity elsewhere and see how I can challenge myself in a new environment. To see what else is out there and see what else I can achieve.
Tayla Fraser to leave NSW Swifts
September 8
The NSW Swifts have announced midcourter Tayla Fraser has made the decision to leave the club and seek a new opportunity.
Fraser expressed her love for the club but that the time feels right for her to take on a new challenge.
Fraser has announced her departure from the Swifts. “A sporting career is short and I feel like now is the right time to try a new environment but I will forever treasure what I achieved at the Swifts, and the people who made it such a special part of my life. A part of my heart will always belong to the Club and everyone involved with it,” she said. Defenders depart SSN
September 6
Former Collingwood and Melbourne Vixens defender Jacqui Newton has announced she’s seeking a new venture for 2024.
Newton is headed for the United Kingdom. The 26-year-old announced she’s moving overseas to represent the Cardiff Dragons in England’s Netball Super League next year.
The defender the third from Collingwood’s former list to announce their departure from the league with veteran Geva Mentor headed to England to play for the Leeds Rhinos alongside Magpies training partner Zoe Davies.
Davies expressed her excitement for the opportunity.
"Thrilled to finally announce that I'm joining the incredible Leeds Rhinos next season! Couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity and super excited for the journey ahead," she said.
While Mentor announced her return home to England back in July.
“I’m looking forward to playing on English soil. Those who know me know I want to keep driving the aspirations of others so to aid NSL on their future endeavours to turn this league fully professional,” she said.
Fever announces Glasgow departure
September 5
West Coast Fever have announced the departure of prolific shooter Sasha Glasgow.
West Coast Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion said the club respects Glasgow's decision to seek a new opportunity.
“While disappointed to not have Sasha continue at Fever, we respect her desire to seek new opportunities as she looks to take the next step with her international career with the England Roses,” she said.
The club has left the door ajar for a possible return in the future.
“Sasha’s manager has not closed the door on a return to Fever in the future, which we would naturally welcome given Sasha’s ability as well as being a member of our Club for the past three years,” Gaudion said.
“We wish Sasha all the best with her netball career, both at SSN level and internationally with the England Roses.”
Samason heads to New Zealand
June 30
Vixens shooter Rahni Samason has made the decision to spend 2024 playing in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership team.
The 25-year-old's Suncorp Super Netball career hampered by injury with the talented shooter spending 2023 on the sidelines.
Samason did hit the court for this year's Suncorp Team Girl's Cup. The shooter thanked the Vixens while looking forward to 2024.
“The last two seasons have had many highs and lows but I will always be grateful to Simone and the Vixens family for the opportunity to play in the SSN,” she said.
General Manager of Performance and Pathways at the Vixens Megan Simpson reflected on Samason’s time with the side.
“Rahni has been an important part of our pathway and our team for a significant period of time, and we’re proud of what she has achieved during her time with us,” she said.
Head coach Simone McKinnis echoed Simpson’s words.
