‘Sad to see her go’: Fourth Tbird exits as lack of court time proves costly: SSN Off-Season Central

AUGUST 4: INTERNATIONAL STAR DEPARTS

South African defender Sanmarie Visser has left the Adelaide Thunderbirds, after spending the 2025 season as a replacement player for the reigning champions.

Initially brought into the squad as cover for Romelda Aiken-George, Visser was then promoted to Shamera Sterling-Humphrey’s replacement after the Jamaican confirmed her pregnancy.

Given Sterling-Humphrey remains contracted for 2026, alongside fellow Adelaide defenders Matilda Garrett and Latanya Wilson, the club thanked Visser for her time.

“Sanna entered our environment around Team Girls Cup and has taken every opportunity with both hands,” Tbirds general manager of high performance Jace Bode said.

“She was eager to learn, determined to soak up all the information she could, and she made great connections with her teammates on and off the court.

“It was a big decision for Sanna to leave home for a taste of the SSN environment and we thank her immensely for her contribution this season.

“We wish her all the very best and have no doubt we’ll see her back on the SSN stage in the future.”

AUGUST 4: YOUNG DIAMOND SIGNS NEW DEAL

Diamonds defender Ash Ervin has put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

The 192cm rising star had been tipped to be one of the most in-demand players come Super Netball’s signing period, given her talent but restricted court time behind the likes of fellow Diamond Courtney Bruce and Tara Hinchliffe in defence.

But on Monday Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds said she was “thrilled” to have Ervin sign on until the end of 2026.

“While we have recognised her outstanding performances, it’s fantastic to also see her noticed by the Australian selectors the past two years,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to see the next level Ash can take her game, and what she can achieve in the years to come.”

JULY 30: NETBALL ICON CALLS TIME

Adelaide Thunderbirds goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George has announced her retirement from Suncorp Super Netball, leaving the league with the record for most Suncorp Super Netball and ANZ championship games of any player.

Despite her passion for the game, Aiken-George has conceded her long battle with injury led to her announcement.

“Right now, I am feeling somewhat sad, but the body is just like ‘let’s take a time out’ but I think my mind is saying ‘yeah we can do it,” Aiken-George said.

Romelda Aiken-George was a pioneer for Jamaican players coming to Australia as domestic imports.

“At the time, my mum said ‘She’s too young to leave. She’s got to stay here for another year of school’,” she revealed.

Aiken-George is following behind her captain Hannah Petty, who announced her retirement last week.

JULY 30: ROSES STAR WALKS AWAY

England star Eleanor Cardwell has informed the Melbourne Mavericks she won’t be at the club next year.

The Rose didn’t feature for the club in a 2025 season she’s described as a “really difficult year”.

Cardwell had returned home late last year during England’s series against Australia due to a knee injury.

Subsequent surgery in October was followed by a setback in February that ultimately cruelled her campaign.

While Cardwell did return for the Mavs’ Super Netball Reserves grand final, that was her only minutes on court in 2025.

On Wednesday, the England star all but confirmed her return home.

“It’s obviously been a really difficult year for me personally, not being able to take to the SSN court at all,” Cardwell said.

“As so many people know, the journey to return to play from injury is physically difficult, but emotionally it’s really hard too, and for me, it’s been compounded by not being surrounded by my family and close friends back home.

“The majority of my life out here is linked to netball, so when the girls are away for a game and I’m not travelling because I’m still rehabbing … it’s been a real mental challenge.”

“I’ll be really sad to leave the girls and all the friends I’ve made here in Melbourne and Australia, but I’m looking forward to being surrounded by my family, continuing my training, and working towards my goal of returning to the court at the highest level and hopefully representing England at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

“It’s been a real privilege to come out here and play in the SSN.

“It’s the best netball league in the world and I’ve learnt so much and had so many wonderful experiences – I’ve been a part of a drought-breaking, premiership-winning team at the Adelaide Thunderbirds, and I’ve been co-vice captain of an inaugural club, so I count myself as pretty fortunate.”

July 28: YOUNG GUN COMMITS TO GIANTS

Giants midcourter Amy Sligar has put pen to paper on a new deal, capping off an outstanding season that has seen her called up in the Diamonds squad as an invitee.

The 23-year-old cemented her starting spot in the Giants in 2025 and would go on to finish an incredible third in the league for interceptions – behind only Jamaican superstar Latanya Wilson and Diamonds defender Sarah Klau.

Sligar has signed a one-year deal to remain at the Giants, who will take on a new-look in 2026 without inaugural coach Julie Fitzgerald and foundation players Jo Harten (retired) and Jamie-Lee Price (departed).

“I’m super excited to sign on. I just love this club so much, so can’t wait to crack in for 2026,” she said.

“The Giants have backed me since day one, and it means so much to continue building here and with such a special group.

“Getting the call-up to join the Diamonds squad as invitee, was honestly a dream come true. I’m just so grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to attend the upcoming camps and bring my learnings back to the Giants environment.”

Sligar joins young guns Sophie Dwyer, Erin O’Brien and Hope White as contracted Giants for next season alongside injured defender Jodi-Ann Ward who is recovery from an ACL.

JULY 24: PETTY’S SHOCK CALL REVEALED

The dual premiership skipper of the Thunderbirds said she was proud of her decade-long career.

“Never in my wildest dreams, would a little girl from Wudinna be signing off after 10 year,” she said.

Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst was full of praise for Petty.

“Her journey has been defined by hard work, loyalty to the team and program, and a commitment to doing things the right way,” she said.

“Hannah has shown what it means to lead by example through her attitude and actions.

“As a coach it’s been a privilege to watch Hannah grow from the 14-year-old rocking up to state 17 trials all the way through to holding aloft the SSN premiership trophy.

“She leaves behind a legacy built on integrity, grit, and heart — and that will always be something to be proud of.”

JULY 24: GIANTS SKIPPER WALKS, MAVS LOOM LARGE

Jamie-Lee Price has walked away from the final year of her deal with the Giants, opting to instead reunite with her AFL partner Harry Perryman in Melbourne.

Price’s decision to leave the Giants ensures there are no inaugural club members left – following the retirement of Jo Harten and the exit of coach Julie Fitzgerald earlier this month.

While the Melbourne Vixens only have two players on their books for 2026, the Mavericks are already building their roster for 2026, and Price would be a must-get for Tracey Neville’s outfit.

The club this week announced the signature of midcourter Molly Jovic, to go with that of skipper Amy Parmenter, Shimona Jok and Kim Brown for next season.

JULY 18: JULIE BIDS FAREWELL

Julie Fitzgerald has officially stepped down as Giants coach, ending months of speculation around her future.

The veteran coach, who has been at the helm of more than 400 professional games, had been faced with uncertainty as questions remain over the Giants’ future in Super Netball.

This week, Fitzgerald officially announced her departure – making that two vacant coaching positions ahead of 2026 off the back of Simone McKinnis’ exit from the Melbourne Vixens.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to lead GIANTS Netball since the beginning,” she said.

“This club means the world to me, and I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together.

“To round out my time as head coach alongside Jo Harten, and in the game that was last Saturday, marks the perfect ending.

“To have spent nearly three decades doing what I love has been an extraordinary gift.”

The Giants will already be without veteran Jo Harten who announced her retirement.

Jodi-Ann Ward will still be recovering from her ACL injury while her replacement, Casey Kopua has told Fox Netball “that’s a big no” on if she’d sign a new deal for 2026.

JULY 16: SHIMONA STAYS A MAVERICK

Shimona Jok has become the third contracted Maverick for 2026, joining Amy Parmenter and Kim Brown on the list for next season.

Jok, the inaugural Mavs MVP, has endured a rollercoaster career before landing at the Mavericks after she was initially overlooked for a Super Netball deal following the collapse of the Collingwood Magpies.

But Jok was handed her opportunity as a replacement player for the injured Sasha Glasgow – and she’s gone from strength to strength since.

“It’s been talked about a lot, but to go from being without a contract last year to MVP, to now re-signing with the Mavs until the end of next season – it’s really nice to have certainty as to where I will be playing in the future,” Jok said.

“Obviously, from a team perspective, this season didn’t play out as we hoped, but every single day in this environment, I’ve flourished.

“I’ve grown not just as a player, but as a person. I’m so grateful to the Mavs for believing in me and I really believe in what we’re building here, so I can’t wait to have a short break, re-set, and get stuck in again in 2026.”