ALL three major netball competitions in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have official 2022 start dates, meaning it is time to have a look at the 2021 clubs and where they could sit in the upcoming seasons. While the UK’s Vitality Netball Superleague always has an early start, both Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball and New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership seasons are set to begin a fraction earlier than usual to make way for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL
2022 details | 2022 SSN Team lists
Start date: March 26
2021 premier: NSW Swifts
2021 runner up: GIANTS Netball
2022 favourite: West Coast Fever
2022 big improver: Melbourne Vixens
Starting up in early March, expect the 2022 SSN season to offer plenty of intrigue following a huge free agency period which saw moves around the country. Expect the likes of 2021 premiers, NSW Swifts back in the mix after retaining much of their playing group, while the GIANTS will be back with a vengeance following their grand final loss. While both NSW-based clubs are well and truly up there for 2022, expect West Coast Fever to force their way into finals contention once more, with a fresh start and no ladder deficit in their way of an elusive maiden premiership. 2021 cellar dwellers Melbourne Vixens are almost guaranteed a move up the ladder with a fresh start in their minds after a rocky season, while Collingwood Magpies will be well and truly knocking at finals contention once more.
ANZ PREMIERSHIP
2022 details | 2022 ANZP team lists
Start date: March 13
2021 premier: Northern Mystics
2021 runner up: Mainland Tactix
2022 favourite: Mainland Tactix
2022 big improver: Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
Expect a much closer 2022 ANZP season with plenty of huge changes across the board during the signing period. While Northern Mystics are still expected to be in the mix, expect the Mainland Tactix to be pushing for finals from the get-go after a slightly inconsistent 2021 season. Looking at overall player retention, Tactix well and truly lead the way heading into the upcoming season, especially looking at their formidable defensive unit, which should bode well for another finals berth. The WBOP Magic have made a raft of changes heading into the new season, and after a couple of years at the bottom, have managed to clinch some big names on their way to rising up the ladder. Expect Central Pulse to be another knocking at the door after a shock 2021 season.
VITALITY NETBALL SUPERLEAGUE
2022 details | 2022 VNSL team lists: Part 1 | Part 2
Start date: February 5
2021 premier: Loughborough Lightning
2021 runner up: Team Bath
2022 favourite: Manchester Thunder
2022 big improver: Surrey Storm
The 2022 VNSL season should prove to be an intriguing one, with plenty of players changing hands across the 11 franchises and a February start date to boot. The two 2021 grand finalists in Lightning and Bath should well and truly be up there again, although both teams have new-look defensive ends which could be a blessing or a curse as they look to forge fresh connections. Looking at 2022 lists from the outside, Manchester Thunder are looking highly dangerous with a couple of fresh faces added to the lineup and proving handy replacements for their minimal losses. Factor in Surrey Storm’s huge acquisitions, and it could just be a matter of time before we see the side back in the top half of the ladder after a shaky few years.
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