Major players are changing teams in week two of Super Netball’s official signing period, after a bumper opening week.
Top young goal shooter Lucy Austin confirmed her move from the Thunderbirds to the Giants on Sunday night. Meanwhile, Sasha Glasgow’s exit from the Mavericks was announced and she will now rejoin the Fever, while Jamie-Lee Price has been confirmed at the Mavs, and Grace Nweke is staying with NSW Swifts.
SSN SIGNING PERIOD WEEK ONE: FULL WRAP OF EVERY SIGNING, RELEASE AND TEAM SWITCH
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AUGUST 11: SWIFTS FAREWELL YOUNG GUN
Sophie Fawns has played her last game for the NSW Swifts.
The young goaler was overlooked for much of the 2025 Super Netball season, instead biding her time in the Super Netball Reserves as coach Briony Akle opted to back in her dynamic imports Grace Nweke and Helen Housby.
In a statement, the Swifts confirmed Fawns had informed the club “she’s decided to explore a new opportunity in 2026”.
“I will always love the Swifts and getting the chance to put on the Red Dress is something I’ll continue to be immensely proud of,” Fawns said.
“I grew up watching the Swifts and dreaming that I could one day play for them and I got the chance to fulfill that dream.
“A new opportunity has arisen for me and I feel the time is right to go and explore it and see what I can do in a new environment.”
Where exactly that new opportunity is remains yet to be revealed – but the most likely being the big jump to play in the UK’s Netball Super League.
While the Sunshine Coast Lightning could be in the hunt after the departure of Reilley Batcheldor to the Melbourne Mavericks, it’s worth noting Fawns did sign with England-based talent agency Enigma Sport back in June.
Already, Birmingham Panthers has an opening for a goaler after former Maverick and Magpie Gabby Sinclair confirmed her exit for 2026.
“At the club we have the saying ‘Always A Swift’ and part of my heart will always be here. I also know that I’m still young and who knows, maybe one day I’ll get the opportunity to wear the dress again,” Fawns said.
The Wagga Wagga native enjoyed a dream rise into the Swifts ranks after debuting as a replacement player in 2022.
Her performances earnt her a full time deal for 2023, and from there Fawns made 44 appearances for the club – none more memorable than her match-winning heroics against the West Coast Fever in the 2023 preliminary final.
Fawns becomes the first confirmed exit for the Swifts for next season.
YET TO RE-SIGN:
Thunderbirds: –
Giants: Gina Crampton, Maddie Hay, Matilda McDonell
Mavericks: Tayla Fraser, Maisie Nankivell, Lauren Parkinson
Vixens: Maggie Caris
Swifts: Allie Smith, Teigan O’Shannassy, Verity Simmons, Sharni Lambden, Grace Whyte
Firebirds: —
Lightning: Steph Fretwell, Ava Black, Maddie Hinchliffe
Fever: Ruth Aryang, Zoe Cransberg, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Mwai Kumwenda, Fran Williams
CONFIRMED SUPER NETBALL SQUADS FOR 2026
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
IN – Sophie Casey (promoted from 11th player)
OUT – Hannah Petty (retired), Romelda Aiken-George (retired), Sanmarie Visser, Lucy Austin
2026 SQUAD: Georgie Horjus, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, Matilda Garrett, Tayla Williams, Lauren Frew, Kayla Graham, Sophie Casey
COACH: Tania Obst
GIANTS NETBALL
IN – Lucy Austin (Thunderbirds)
OUT – Jo Harten (retired), Jamie-Lee Price (released)
2026 SQUAD: Sophie Dwyer, Jodi-Ann Ward, Erin O’Brien, Hope White, Amy Sligar, Matisse Letherbarrow, Lucy Austin
COACH: Nerida Stewart
MELBOURNE MAVERICKS
IN – Reilley Batcheldor (Lightning), Jamie-Lee Price (Giants)
OUT – Eleanor Cardwell, Liv Lewis (AFLW), Sasha Glasgow, coach Tracey Neville
2026 SQUAD: Kim Brown, Amy Parmenter, Shimona Jok, Molly Jovic, Reilley Batcheldor, Jamie-Lee Price
COACH: TBA
MELBOURNE VIXENS
IN – Squad remains unchanged
OUT –
2026 SQUAD: Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Kate Moloney, Jo Weston, Emily Mannix, Kate Eddy, Hannah Mundy, Rudi Ellis, Zara Walters, Lily Graham
COACH: TBA
NSW SWIFTS
IN –
OUT – Sophie Fawns (TBA)
2026 SQUAD: Maddy Proud, Helen Housby, Paige Hadley, Maddy Turner, Sarah Klau, Grace Nweke
COACH: Briony Akle
QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS
IN –
OUT – Hulita Veve, Tippah Dwan, Ashlee Barnett
2026 SQUAD: Macy Gardner, Mary Cholhok, Imogen Allison, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Isabelle Shearer, Lara Dunkley, Emily Moore
COACH: Kiri Wills
SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
IN –
OUT – Reilley Batcheldor (Mavericks), Tara Hinchliffe (TBA), Kristiana Manu’a (retired)
2026 SQUAD: Courtney Bruce, Cara Koenen, Liz Watson, Ash Ervin, Leesa MiMi, Mahalia Cassidy
COACH: Belinda Reynolds
WEST COAST FEVER
IN – Sasha Glasgow (Mavericks)
OUT – Shanice Beckford
2026 SQUAD: Jess Anstiss, Sunday Aryang, Jordan Cransberg, Olivia Wilkinson, Alice Teague-Neeld
COACH: Dan Ryan
AUGUST 11: DUAL INTERNATIONAL FAREWELLS LIGHTNING
Dual international Kristiana Manu’a has announced her retirement from professional netball.
The two-cap Diamond and Samoan representative finishes up after taking a last-minute opportunity at the Sunshine Coast Lightning to replace injured defender Ava Black for the 2025 season.
Manu’a had been a training partner at the Mavericks when she received the call from coach Belinda Reynolds.
“It’s been a joy to have Kris in the Lightning environment this last season and to see the impact she’s had on each and every player both out on court and off it,” Reynolds said.
“The netball world will miss her, but I wish nothing but the best for Kris in the next phase of her life.”
Manu’a’s career ends after 11 years in the sport, and spans two countries including New Zealand and Australia.
She would go on to debut for the Diamonds in 2106, and then Samoa in 2023.
“As an 18-year-old 11 years ago, I decided to make netball my life and chase a dream that was once out of reach,” she said.
“After 128 national league games, two Diamonds caps and captaining my nation, Samoa, I’ve made the decision to close my netball chapter.
“After over a decade of playing elite netball, it felt like the right time to enjoy some much overdue time with my partner and family.
“I am in debt to everyone that’s contributed to my career and I will always look back with pride that I’ve achieved what I have.”
AUGUST 11: NWEKE RE-SIGNS WITH SWIFTS
Silver Ferns goal shooter Grace Nweke has re-signed with the NSW Swifts for next season.
There was speculation that Nweke may not return despite the relaxation of Test eligibility rules by Netball New Zealand, but the gun GS will be back with unfinished business after the Swifts made a straight-sets finals exit this year. She scored 718 goals in her first SSN campaign and was named the club’s MVP.
“Grace has made a phenomenal impact on the Swifts and the whole SSN competition in a very short period of time and I know we’ve only just started to see what she can do,” coach Briony Akle said in a statement on Monday.
“Despite only being 23 years of age, the standards she expects of herself and her teammates are of the highest level and that is why she’s become so respected and loved by fans very quickly.
“It takes a lot of bravery to leave everything you’ve ever known and back yourself to thrive in a new and challenging environment but Grace did that, and I know she will be even better in 2026.”
Nweke said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the Swifts for making me feel so welcome this year,” she said.
“The history of success at the Swifts and desire to add to that legacy fosters a dynamic and enriching training environment. I’ve loved being a part of it and am eager for more.
“While we had some amazing highs and milestones in 2025, I feel that as a group we have unfinished business. With one season under my belt and lots of learning I am excited to see what we can achieve next year.”
AUGUST 11: GLASGOW RETURNS TO FEVER
Sasha Glasgow has returned to West Coast Fever for next season after splitting with Melbourne Mavericks.
Glasgow was the Fever’s grand final MVP as the club won its maiden premiership in 2022 and she will return after two years in Melbourne; which featured just 13 games due to a broken leg in 2023.
Glasgow, 27, played 45 games for Fever between 2021 and 2023, netting 374 goals including 159 supershots — earning her the nickname ‘Super Shot Sasha’.
The Fever will hope that she can take them back to premiership glory after a heartbreaking loss to Melbourne Vixens in this year’s grand final. The England Roses GA said that she had been supported by Fever fans even after leaving the club.
“The support from afar was incredible, it’s something truly special and a credit to how supported and embraced I felt by everyone since I first made the move to Perth at the end of 2020,” she said in a statement on Monday.
“The feeling I get playing at RAC Arena with the Green Army geared up in green, being in Perth and just loving my netball is truly the best.
“I cannot wait to be out there with this group and be a part of the Fever environment again.”
Coach Dan Ryan said: “It’s great to have Sasha return to our club for the 2026 season and I’m excited to see what impact she can have on our performances, as we keep striving for continual growth and evolution in our game.
“Sasha will bring some extra weaponry and depth to our shooting circle and her ability to play both shooting positions to a high standard is a great value add to our team.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with her and seeing her thrive in our Fever environment once again.”
AUGUST 11: FIREBIRDS RE-SIGN GA MOORE
Goal attack Emily Moore has been retained by the Queensland Firebirds for next season.
Moore, 28, has played 37 games across three seasons with the club so far. She had a selection battle with replacement player Abigail Latu-Meafou this year but has held her spot.
“It’s a real honour to represent this club, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to return next season,” Moore said in a statement on Monday.
“While this year’s results weren’t what we aimed for, it’s clear the club is moving in the right direction. I’m excited to keep growing and contribute to what we’re building, as we work toward the 2026 campaign.”
Coach Kiri Wills said: “Emily has made the most of the opportunity presented to her when she first joined the Firebirds.
“She’s coming off the back of a season where she featured in every game and shows maturity and on-court smarts. I know with Emily I have an athlete who is going to leave no stone unturned in making sure she gets the most out of herself and I’m excited to see what levels she can reach next year.”
AUGUST 11: PRICE BECOMES A MAVERICK
Jamie-Lee Price has joined the Melbourne Mavericks for 2026, the club confirmed on Monday morning.
Having decided to leave the Giants after winning three consecutive club MVP awards, to join AFL-playing partner Harry Perryman living in Melbourne, Price is a major addition to the Mavs’ midcourt.
The Diamonds star joins former Lightning shooter Reilley Batcheldor as a high-profile addition to the club’s roster; which will be coached by a new, yet-to-be-confirmed coach after the departure of Tracey Neville.
“I have been so warmly welcomed by the Mavs already,” Price said.
“The work this group has achieved in their first two years as a brand new club has been truly remarkable, and I feel super honoured to be able to become part of it. Hopefully we can continue to build and continue to become a force to be reckoned with in 2026 and beyond.”
Mavs General Manager Shae Bolton-Brown said the club was thrilled to get Price, who joins close friend, former Giants teammate, fellow Diamond and Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter in the sky blue dress.
“When we heard that Jamie-Lee was keen to move to Melbourne, we knew this was a signature we had to get. Obviously, she is a world-class talent, but with a relatively young squad, we think her leadership on and off the court is a really valuable asset as well,” Bolton-Brown said.
“We think the kind of netball we play on-court and the ethos of the club off the court make us and Jamie-Lee a really good fit, so we can’t wait to see how our mutual relationship develops next season.”
AUGUST 10: MAVERICKS CONFIRM GLASGOW’S EXIT
Sasha Glasgow has officially played her last game for the Melbourne Mavericks.
The England star, who endured one of the worst injuries sustained on a netball court, confirmed she knocked back a new deal to stay in Melbourne.
Glasgow is expected to announce her new Super Netball home shortly.
“A ray of sunshine is leaving Melbourne,” the Mavericks said in a statement.
“Whilst Sasha’s time at the Mavs started in a way no one saw coming, it ended with everyone in her orbit being unbelievably proud of her resilience and determination throughout.
“Sasha’s support for her teammates never wavered and her impact at the club remained tangible whether in rehab or back on the court.
“Whilst we were hoping to see her in the blue and pink, we wish Sash nothing but the best.”
Glasgow becomes the third player to exit the club, following on from international Eleanor Cardwell and defender Liv Lewis, while the club is still seeking a new coach after Tracey Neville’s departure last week.
AUGUST 10: RISING STAR OFFICIALLY DECLARES FUTURE
Lucy Austin is now a Giant, with the two-time Thunderbirds premiership winner now partnering Diamond Sophie Dwyer in attack.
In what will hopefully boost Austin’s Diamonds hopes by emulating the club partnerships of Kiera Austin-Sophie Garbin and Cara Koenen-Steph Wood (now retired from Aussie duties as Steph Fretwell), the 23-year-old Austin becomes the seventh Giant signed for 2026.
“I’m so excited to be heading to Sydney and joining the Giants family for 2026,” Austin said.
“Being a young and up-and-coming group, I’m really excited to be able to grow together, whilst also develop my own game further in a new environment.
“I have so much more to leave and grow as a player both on and off the court and I am so excited to work on and showcase this with the Giants.”
Austin had been starved of opportunity in her three seasons at the Thunderbirds, first behind England star Eleanor Cardwell and then behind Jamaican Romelda Aiken-George.
But her move to play under new Giants coach Nerida Stewart and replace England legend Jo Harten is set to increase Austin’s hopes of bettering her standing as a Diamonds invitee.
“Lucy is a proven performer who has achieved a huge amount in a short period of time,” Stewart said.
“She has a calm, focused presence on court and her ability to adapt her style of play makes her an incredible asset to any team.
“With Jo (Harten) stepping away, we were looking for someone who could bring strength and versatility to our goal third — and Lucy fits that role perfectly.
“We’re excited to see how she combines with the team we are building and believe she’ll have immediate impact in the orange and charcoal.”
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