Australian stars have hit back at criticism of Super Netball’s imports, amid fears rising local netballers are being overlooked in our top league.
After confirmation New Zealand star Grace Nweke will lead the NSW Swifts’ attack end – leaving Australian pathway product Uneeq Palavi and Diamond Donnell Wallam without Super Netball deals – critics were quick to hit out at the recruitment.
Even Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich admitted concerns over a “bottleneck” for young talent unable to break into Super Netball ranks.
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But our top goalers Sophie Garbin, Kiera Austin and Cara Koenen all believe opportunities are still there for Australian talent – despite Garbin and Koenen as the only Aussie starting goal shooters in Super Netball.
“I still think we have such depth across Australian shooting. I feel like the bib is in very safe hands,” Koenen told Fox Netball.
“Lucy Austin (from Thunderbirds) is an invitee for this next few camps and she’s already doing incredible things.
“I do feel very, very honoured to be able hold one of those bibs.”
Swifts sign international goal shooter | 00:59
Already, six players have departed Super Netball to join England’s Netball Super League and a further five will take the court in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership in 2025.
One of those heading across the ditch is the league’s second most prolific shooter this season – Diamond Donnell Wallam – after she was left without a Super Netball home for 2025 when the Firebirds instead opted to sign Ugandan star Mary Cholhok.
Garbin has endured a bumpy ride to lock down her starting spot at the Melbourne Vixens, after stints with the NSW Swifts and now defunct Collingwood Magpies. But the 27-year-old is adamant she wouldn’t change her journey.
“It’s hard for Australian shooters but there’s a lot of girls now seeking opportunities overseas and I guess Super Netball coaches are looking over there – that’s where they are getting all the other players from,” she said.
“It hasn’t been straight to the top for me.
“I feel like I got into the Swifts environment, was battling international shooters there for court time and then had to make the move to another club. I feel really grateful for my career and the path that it’s taken to get there has probably shown it’s not easy. You’re not just going to sign an SSN contract and step right on court.
“Everyone’s path is so different.”
Firebirds star not offered 2025 contract | 00:42
Vixens teammate Austin agreed that her resilience was built while battling for a spot on court.
“I’ve sat behind a lot of international shooters,” she said.
“It was hard. It’s a pathway that was clear cut to me and then that was almost stopped a little bit because these athletes are coming in.
“But it’s just made me work harder to prove myself. To be like, ‘yeah you can still put me out there and I’m going to be great and do the best I can’.
“It’s exciting – we want to play in the best league in the world.
“We have to be able to compete with the best in the world.”
Already England international Helen Housby rejected the idea Super Netball is a “development league” for Australians.
“Recruiting internationals not only makes the league a better product, but strengthens Diamonds players who then play + train against other top players week in and week out,” she posted online last month.
“The Aussies that are good enough will find their contracts, as has been the case throughout Super Netball’s history.
“Remember that the Diamonds currently hold all trophies – you’re doing fine.”
Australia’s top netballers are currently in camp in Canberra ahead of their upcoming Test series against England, starting with Game One this Thursday.
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