Super Netball Season Update
After two rounds of Super Netball, the league's dynamics have taken a surprising turn. A traditionally dominant team is now struggling at the bottom of the standings, while a club that faced significant challenges last season is showing signs of a strong comeback.
The West Coast Fever, typically a top-four contender, finds themselves in an unfamiliar position. One of their pressing concerns is the return of key shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, whose absence has been keenly felt.
In a commanding performance, the Queensland Firebirds secured a 67-54 win over the Fever, marking their second consecutive victory under new coach Kiri Wills. This achievement, the first back-to-back wins to start a season since 2016, also coincides with their last championship year. However, a former Firebirds star made a pointed comment about the current team's culture, adding a layer of intrigue.
The match of the round was a thrilling encounter between the NSW Swifts and the Melbourne Mavericks. The Swifts emerged victorious with a 68-62 scoreline, thanks to a superior super shot strategy. The game was characterized by its intensity and physicality, with minimal interruptions from the umpires, making for a highly entertaining spectacle.
On Sunday, the Adelaide Thunderbirds claimed a 60-45 win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Despite feeling unwell, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey delivered an outstanding performance, recording 11 gains and earning the player of the match award. Her efforts also highlighted the struggles of some Australian Diamonds players.
The Melbourne Vixens reignited their campaign this weekend
with a gritty 61-55 victory over the Giants
erasing memories of their shaky season opener.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard continues to rewrite Super Netball history books
maintaining her unbroken reign as the league's top scorer since 2018.
The Fever's towering Jamaican shooter (1.98m) combines clinical precision
with aerial dominance at the post – a combination yet to be matched.
Her durability remains as remarkable as her stats
with the goal machine maintaining an ironclad fitness record
amidst the sport’s relentless physical demands.
Elsewhere in Round 2, the Diamonds faced unexpected turbulence
against Lightning’s fierce resistance – a storyline to watch unfolding.
The Fever's performance has taken a significant dip without their star player, highlighting the team's heavy reliance on her unparalleled skills. Despite some promising displays from 21-year-old Olivia Wilkinson and Jamaican import Shanice Beckford during the pre-season, the team is struggling to fill the void left by Fowler-Nembhard.
Wilkinson’s impressive form and Beckford’s contributions initially gave fans a sense of optimism. However, the absence of Fowler-Nembhard, who is currently on maternity leave, has proven to be a major challenge. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing recovery of Malawi veteran Mwai Kumwenda, who is still working on her fitness after giving birth in July. Kumwenda has yet to complete a full Super Netball game.
In the first two weeks of the official campaign, the Fever have faced tough losses, with a combined deficit of 31 points. They have also scored the fewest goals among all teams, with a total of just 103. This stark reality underscores the team's dependence on Fowler-Nembhard, and their season now seems to hinge on her return.
Recently, Fowler-Nembhard has expressed her intention to rejoin the team following the tragic loss of her baby in January. Her return could potentially turn the tide for the Fever, as they continue to grapple with the challenges of the current season.
Netball League Highlights
The league's hottest comeback story gains momentum as Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard prepares to rejoin West Coast Fever's roster
Meanwhile, Mwai Kumwenda transitions to training partner status
with Netball Australia confirming her salary remains unchanged
– a unique arrangement funded through insurance outside cap constraints
Medical clearance becomes the final hurdle for Fowler-Nembhard's return
after satisfying maternity leave protocols
Fever's strategic timing shines through the split round schedule
potentially lining up a blockbuster Melbourne showdown against Vixens
within the next two weeks
Across the competition, Queensland Firebirds rewrite history books
boasting an unprecedented undefeated streak
under rookie mentor Bec Wills' guidance
Captaincy duo Veve and Bakewell-Doran fueling
a revitalized team culture that's turning heads league-wide The Queensland Firebirds are looking forward to a promising year, with Saturday's home game at the Queensland State Netball Centre drawing a record-breaking crowd of 4,526. It was a full house, indicating strong fan support and high hopes for the season.
However, the team's efforts to move past last season's challenges were marred by the unbecoming behavior of some club legends. In an attempt to rebuild the team's morale and unity, Coach Megan Wills organized a session where the players watched the Firebirds' championship-winning matches from 2015 and 2016.
These victories hold a special place in the club's history, as the Firebirds are the only team to have won back-to-back titles in the trans-Tasman league, which operated from 2008 to 2016. The legacy of those achievements is a significant part of the team's identity.
Firebirds Team Dynamics and Challenges
Laura Geitz and Kim Ravaillion, key figures in past championship teams, have always been held in high regard by the netball community. Their dedication and commitment on the court made them role models for aspiring young players. Moreover, their polished public image and ability to navigate the expectations of the sport’s leadership further solidified their popularity.
In 2024, the Firebirds faced a turbulent period when Bec Bulley and the team parted ways with just five weeks left in the season. Despite multiple reports suggesting otherwise, captain Kim Ravaillion publicly maintained that there was no animosity between the players and the coach.
Following this, two notable players, defender Remi Kamo and shooter Donnell Wallam, were not re-signed. Both players chose to seek new opportunities overseas. Kamo, in particular, took the step of filing an official complaint regarding the club's culture.
In a recent social media exchange, former Firebirds stars appeared to dismiss concerns about team culture through a pointed Instagram caption, suggesting the club environment is "in pretty safe hands" despite ongoing controversies.
This public commentary raises questions about how player experiences are valued within the organization, particularly considering the significant number of athletes who have departed the Firebirds under difficult circumstances over the years, including notable names like Romelda Aiken-George, Beryl Friday, and Helena Saunders.
Such dismissive remarks potentially create a chilling effect on athletes who might otherwise speak up about legitimate concerns. Rather than encouraging players to utilize proper complaint channels when issues arise, this approach risks perpetuating problematic power dynamics within the sport.
Meanwhile, in separate netball developments, conversations continue around Cara Koenen's playing style, with the athlete herself acknowledging the need to adapt her game to include more two-point super shot attempts to maintain her relevance in the evolving competitive landscape.
Koenen's hesitance and uncertainty in live play are evident, despite her comfortable shooting from a distance during warm-ups. The added pressure seems to have affected her performance, particularly noticeable in her recent struggles against Sterling-Humphrey.
However, the spotlight on Koenen might be overshadowing the broader issues within the team. The form of other key players, such as defender Courtney Bruce and mid-courter Liz Watson, also warrants attention. Both Bruce and Watson recently left their long-standing Super Netball clubs to join the Lightning under coach Belinda Reynolds in 2024.
Since their move, neither Bruce nor Watson has shown significant improvement. In fact, their performances appear to have regressed. Watson, though still tallying 41 feeds, has had 12 turnovers across two games, more than any other Lightning player. Her game has been marred by footwork calls and instances where she passed the ball directly to Sterling-Humphrey while trying to feed the shooters.
Bruce, battling with injuries, managed to play almost a full game on Sunday but only recorded one gain. In contrast, her 21-year-old successor, Ash Ervin, was more impressive in goal keeper, recording five gains in just 28 minutes of play. Bruce also received the most penalties on court, with 18.
While Koenen certainly needs to elevate her game, the intense focus on her form seems disproportionate compared to the challenges faced by other key players like Bruce and Watson.
What is a Kayo Sports VPN and How to Get One
A Kayo Sports VPN is a Virtual Private Network that enables users to access the Kayo Sports streaming platform, even if it's not available in their region. To get one, simply select a reliable VPN service, install their app on your device, and connect to a server located in Australia. Once connected, you can sign in to your Kayo Sports account and enjoy a wide range of sports content.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Kayo Sports VPN?
If you want to access region-restricted Kayo Sports content, SafeShell VPN is the best vpn for kayo , offering unmatched advantages for seamless streaming.
- SafeShell VPN’s high-speed servers are engineered exclusively for Kayo Sports, eliminating buffering with ultra-fast connections for HD quality and uninterrupted matches.
- As the best VPN for Kayo , it supports 5 simultaneous device connections , including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, ensuring sports fans never miss a game.
- Its App Mode lets you bypass geo-blocks across multiple streaming platforms at once, unlocking global sports events and regional content libraries effortlessly.
- With zero bandwidth limits and military-grade encryption via ShellGuard technology, SafeShell VPN guarantees privacy and lightning-fast browsing without ISP throttling.
- A risk-free trial allows users to test its premium features, proving why it’s the top choice for secure, high-performance Kayo Sports streaming worldwide.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Kayo Sports with SafeShell VPN
Accessing Kayo Sports from different regions is now easier than ever with SafeShell VPN. To begin your journey, first visit the SafeShell VPN website and select a subscription plan that aligns with your viewing needs. Once subscribed, download the appropriate SafeShell VPN application for your device—whether you're using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. After installation, launch the app, log into your account, and select APP mode for optimal Kayo VPN performance.
With SafeShell VPN running, browse through the available server locations and connect to a server in your desired region to access that area's Kayo Sports content. Once connected, simply open the Kayo Sports application or navigate to their website and sign in with your account credentials. The Kayo VPN connection through SafeShell will mask your actual location, allowing you to enjoy all the sports content available in your selected region without any geographical restrictions.
