Superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has claimed MVP honours in her first game back for the West Coast Fever, leading the side to a 10-goal victory over the Melbourne Vixens on Sunday.
It’s been almost nine months since we’ve seen Fowler-Nembhard (59/60 goals) on a Super Netball court after her personal leave, but she showed no signs of rust to dominate a Vixens defence that saw Diamond Rudi Ellis benched.
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Ellis wasn’t the only Australian star to head to the sidelines in the 67-57 result as Sophie Garbin played only 34 minutes while Kiera Austin struggled for accuracy at 69% for the match.
But the day belonged to Fowler-Nembhard and the Fever, as coach Dan Ryan boldly declared: “We’re back!”
“I think Fowler-Nembhard just showed the dominant player that she is and the superstar status that she has absolutely earned over her career,” Fox Netball’s Dylan Nexhip said after the Fever win.
“For her to come back into the mix and put in a performance like that, that is incredible.
“What a testament to her and the work she’s been able to do to put herself back in that position – hat off to her.”
Fellow Fox Netball commentator Bianca Chatfield described the 35-year-old’s performance as “phenomenal”.
“So great to see the smile back on Jhaniele’s face,” she said.
“What an absolutely stellar performance.”
It’s been a tough run for the star goal shooter who first had to give the Fever her four-week notice of intent to return to the game, meaning replacement player Mwai Kumwenda drops down to training partner status.
But Fowler-Nembhard’s importance to the Fever squad was clearly on show in the win over the Vixens as every player lifted.
The Fever were winless heading into the clash with the Vixens and were jumped in the opening term. But a 21-goal second quarter showed just how quickly the Fever can fire as Fran Williams led the way in a defensive end missing injured duo Sunday (ankle) and Ruth Aryang (achilles).
“That was one of the best team performances I’ve seen from my time at this club,” Ryan said post-match.
“We’re back. That is us.”
Fever star Fran Williams said Fowler-Nembhard’s return was the kickstart they needed in 2025.
“Seeing J back on the court being her dominant self, (I’m) so proud of her and the journey she’s been on,” she said.
“We don’t need to hide from the fact we were pretty down with our two first round performances.
“That’s not Fever standard.”
The result now draws the Fever just one win outside of the top four after the first three rounds.
In the only other match of the round, the Sunshine Coast Lightning extended their run of Queensland bragging rights as they claimed a 14-goal win over the Firebirds.
In her 100th match, Koenen (39/44 including two supershots) was outstanding in attack while down the other end Ash Ervin continued to press her Diamonds case with a whopping 11 gains, including four intercepts.
Ervin outclassed Ugandan import Mary Cholhok who was restricted to just 23/34 goals as Firebirds coach Kiri Wills was forced to throw around the bibs.
But the visitors were never able to settle as the Lightning, bolstered by the support of fan favourite Robert Irwin in the crowd, won every quarter on their way to a second win for the season.
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