West Coast Fever’s champion goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard is pregnant and won’t play the 2025 Super Netball season.
Get all the latest netball news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Fowler made the announcement on Friday morning.
“My family and I are overjoyed and filled with excitement as we prepare to welcome a precious addition to our family,” she wrote on social media.
“While I will not be on the court playing next season, I will continue to support my teammates and the club the best I can.
“I am looking forward to being in and amongst our amazing fans, the Green Army, experiencing how electrifying RAC Arena is with the best netball supporters in the country cheering us on.”
Jamaican international Fowler-Nembhard, 35, has won the past five Super Netball player of the year awards and was a star of the Fever’s first-ever premiership (2022).
West Coast Fever general manager Sue Gaudion said: “Everyone at Fever is absolutely thrilled for Jhaniele, Ashani and Drehannah. We’ve always known that Jhaniele has dreamed of having another child and seeing that dream come true is simply wonderful.
“This is such a special time for Jhaniele and her family and our club will be there to support them every step of the way.
“Due to her pregnancy, Jhaniele will not be participating in the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season. She will continue to be an integral part of the Fever family, lending her invaluable netball experience and knowledge to support our team each week as she prepares to welcome the new addition to her family.”
Super Netball’s goal shooter positions are highly sought after and have been dominated by internationals in recent years, with Silver Ferns megastar Grace Nweke (NSW Swifts) the latest addition for next season.
The Fever are now hunting for a replacement for Fowler-Nembhard, with young Victorian Olivia Wilkinson already on the list, along with GA options Shanice Beckford and Alice Teague-Neeld.
“The club began the recruitment process as soon as Jhaniele informed us and we are currently exploring all our options,” Gaudion said.
“We are looking locally, nationally and internationally for a suitable replacement. There are several complexities given the time of year and the fact that most players are under contract. We hope to announce the replacement player before Christmas.”
Discussion about this post