ANOTHER day, another round of big Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) signings with Adelaide Thunderbirds confirming a talented young gun is joining the ranks, while other clubs continued to roll out their returning talents.
First up was the Adelaide Thunderbirds, getting in early with the huge confirmation of youngster Tippah Dwan signing with the club for 2022. The talented goal attack alerted Queensland Firebirds during the week of her intent for more court time, heading down to Adelaide on a one-year contract and looking to showcase her impact and accuracy in pink next season.
Thunderbirds High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon is excited about what the developing, versatile talent can bring to the team.
“Tippah is a very dynamic and agile player who will bring great netball smarts to our attack end,” Bourdon said. “We’ve seen what she’s capable of over the past two SSN seasons and we’re very excited to welcome her to our club.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning has re-signed midcourter Mahalia Cassidy, with the centre forging great partnerships through the midcourt during her maiden season with the club in 2021, and looking forward to further building up her versatility.
“What I love about Lightning is that everyone is there to improve and win but also support each other along the way,” Cassidy said. “I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of wing defence this year and building on those connections and relationships across the court. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build on in the offseason and bring into 2022.”
Melbourne Vixens have made two announcements, firstly confirming that Kadie-Ann Dehaney has signed with a different, yet-to-be confirmed club in 2022. The Jamaican goal keeper is a tenacious and evasive product, hoping to achieve further court time next season. General Manager – Vixens, Performance and Pathways, Rebekah Webster thanked Dehaney for her contribution.
“Kadie-Ann came to the Vixens as a shy 20-year-old, straight off the plane from Jamaica, and it’s been a pleasure to watch her grown on and off the court,” Webster said.
“She has taken on any challenge that has come her way and taken learnings from every training session and game across the last five years.
“We wish her all the best at her new club, and thank her for her dedication to the Vixens in her time here.”
Meanwhile, the Vixens also put fans’ nerves to rest with the return of Malawian sharpshooter Mwai Kumwenda, with the fan favourite set to pull on Vixens colours for a sixth season.
“Playing for the Vixens was always a dream for me, and I am very happy to sign on with the team and continue my netball here,” Kumwenda said. “I learn new things every day at the Vixens with Simone McKinnis as my coach and my sisters like Kate Moloney and Lizzy Watson helping me get better every game.
“I love playing for the Vixens. As I am so far away from home, I am so grateful to the players, coaches and staff who are my family away from Malawi. I am so happy to have met so many lovely people and cannot wait to do my best to help the team.”
Former Vixens speedster Allie Smith has signed with the NSW Swifts, adding an extra layer of midcourt skill to the 2021 premiers’ already stacked centre court group. Head coach Briony Akle said it was 21-year-old Smith’s achievements and intent in her short time at SSN level that caught the eye.
“It is very rare that you get the opportunity to sign a player who is not only so young, but who also has a proven ability at this level,” Akle said. “With a much shorter pre-season next year and some changes to our squad we needed to secure a player who can hit the ground running for a title defence.
“Allie is a specialist WD who really impressed us when we chatted to her and I think she will be a great fit for the group. She has a wonderful way of harrying opposition attacks and never gives up when chasing possession.
“Allie stood out for the Vixens in their premiership campaign last year and backed up again in 2021 in a squad that was rebuilding. The Vixens are a champion outfit so Allie already knows what high-performance sport is all about and I cannot wait to welcome her into the Swifts environment.”
–
2021 SSN signing update: 22/9 | 2021 SSN signing update: 21/9 | 2021 SSN signing update: 20/9
–
Picture credit: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images
Sharp shooter taking advantage of opportunities
YOU would think being 5’10 would be tall. In general yes, but this day in the age of netball, that is seen as being on the shorter side, especially as a shooter. Nowadays you see 6 ‘5 shooters like Grace Nweke, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Caitlin Bassett. Jess Tetley has figured out how to turn her […]
England draws first blood in the Horizon Series
ENGLAND has taken a 1-0 lead over Jamaica in the four match Horizon Series. After a nail biting finish to the first game 24 hours ago, England has claimed the first win of the series. After a tight first half, the Roses shifted into gear to win the match by eight-goals thanks to brilliant defence. […]
Horizon Series begins in a 49-all draw
A DRAW kicked off the Horizon Series between England and Jamaica thanks to clinical end-to-end transition from the Jamaicans. A 49-49 result summed up the calibre of both of these sides with several big time players shining throughout. A formidable defensive end for the Sunshine Girls was up against an ever so growing shooting combination […]
PREVIEW | 2024 Horizon Series
THE LAST international series between the big countries of world netball gets underway this weekend as England and Jamaica battle it out for the 2024 Horizon Series. The first two matches will be played in the AO Arena in Manchester, before the series heads to Kingston in Jamaica a week later for tests three and […]
Country star Lavis takes major leaps to get a taste of SSN
TRAVELLING from Victoria-New South Wales border into Melbourne multiple times a week would take a toll on any person. Numerous hours in the car, training for two hours, then having to drive back. It’s an endless cycle. Mia Lavis has learnt to adapt to that being from the country town of Howlong, but she appreciates […]
2025 Suncorp Super Netball fixture revealed
STARTING on April 5 2025, the Suncorp Super Netball fixture was announced with big matchups and a split round included in the 14-round season, which will end on July 13. Opening the new season, the Adelaide Thunderbirds will play the Melbourne Vixens in a Grand Final rematch, while First Nations Round will be played in […]
Fast5 Netball: Australia takes home the double against the Kiwis
THIS year’s Fast5 competition was a fruitful one for the Australian men’s and women’s teams, taking home the gold after two days play in Christchurch. The Australian Women won their third consecutive campaign after claiming the title, whereas the New Zealand Men missed out on the treble this year after the Aussies turned the tables […]
PREVIEW | Fast 5 World Series
THE INTERNATIONAL netball season heads for a more of a light hearted turn this weekend with the annual Fast 5 World Series taking place across the ditch in New Zealand. For the next two days, six women’s teams and three mens teams from around the world will descend on Christchurch for a very different version […]
Charlotte Sexton’s dreams are becoming a reality
“I WANT to make Suncorp Super Netball, not sure how many years I’m off doing that, but hopefully a training partner role is the next step.” Little did Charlotte Sexton know, that statement would soon become a reality. Sexton was announced as one of the five training partners with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2025 […]
[…] by replacing the departing Kadie-Ann Dehaney with West Coast Fever’s Olivia Lewis. The Vixens announced yesterday that Dehaney had informed them of obtaining a contract with another SSN club and the Sunshine Coast Lightning confirmed this morning that they had welcome Dehaney into the […]