THE Suncorp Super Netball signing period has officially come to a close with the Melbourne Vixens, Adelaide Thunderbirds and GIANTS Netball all finalising their squads heading into the 2021 season. A couple of fresh faces join all three sides with youth a key element for both the Thunderbirds and Vixens who have rewarded some talented youngsters with a spot on their full time rosters.
Adelaide Thunderbirds
- Matilda Garrett
- Samantha Gooden
- Georgie Horjus
- Elle McDonald
- Maisie Nankivell
- Hannah Petty
- Lenize Potgieter
- Shamera Sterling
- Shadine Van Der Merwe
- Latanya Wilson
A number of key cogs have departed the club after both Kate Shimmin and Chelsea Pitman were not offered contracts for the 2021 season while Layla Guscoth decided to return home. Their departure has made way for a couple of new faces with former Collingwood defender Matilda Garrett signing with the T’birds and Jamaican youngster Latanya Wilson also making her way over after spending time with Celtic Dragons in the Vitality Netball Superleague. Garrett will provide plenty of stability down back while Wilson will be a real livewire with her long reach and impressive court coverage. Elle McDonald is another newcomer with the Melbourne Vixens training partner making the move to Adelaide. Boasting a relatively young lineup the 2021 season will be an interesting one for the Thunderbirds who will be hoping to continue on their upwards trajectory.
GIANTS Netball
- Kiera Austin
- April Brandley
- Sophie Dwyer
- Jo Harten
- Maddie Hay
- Kristiana Manu’a
- Matilda McDonell
- Amy Parmenter
- Sam Poolman
- Jamie-Lee Price
After a disappointing 2020 season the GIANTS are hoping to build on their foundations and work their way back up the ladder. With Caitlin Bassett departing, youngster Sophie Dwyer has been elevated to the list while Matilda McDonell has also signed on for the 2021 season making for a relatively young group of players right across the court. Defensively the GIANTS have a plethora of options with April Brandley committing to the club and joining the likes of Kristiana Manu’a and Sam Poolman. All eyes will turn to the connection between Jo Harten and Kiera Austin as the two are expected to lead the way while the further development of Amy Parmenter and Jamie-Lee Price will also be exciting to watch.
Melbourne Vixens
- Ruby Barkmeyer
- Kadie-Ann Dehaney
- Kate Eddy
- Mwai Kumwenda
- Emily Mannix
- Kate Moloney
- Allie Smith
- Kaylia Stanton
- Liz Watson
- Jo Weston
The premiers will have a new look goal circle in 2021 with both Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip retiring. However when one door closes another opens allowing the likes of Kaylia Stanton to transition across from the Fever to Vixens while Ruby Barkmeyer was elevated to the list. Although a typical goal shooter, Stanton has plenty of experience and is accurate to post with Barkmeyer likely to be an impact player. After a stellar season, Allie Smith was also rewarded for her efforts earning a spot on the full time roster credit to her defensive nous and transitional ability. The tried and tested duo of Kate Moloney and Liz Watson will once again be at the helm while defensively the Vixens have retained Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and Kadie-Ann Dehaney as well as Kate Eddy who boasts a wealth of versatility.
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Movers and changers: Week 1
Movers and changers: Week 2
Movers and changers: Week 3
Movers and changers: Week 4
SSN update: Finalised rosters
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