FOR many Australian netballers coming up through the state, territory and national pathways, the 2021 Australian Netball Championships (ANC) provide a chance to prove what they are capable of and develop their craft within an elite environment. Unfortunately, with ongoing COVID-19 concerns and continued statewide lockdowns, Netball Australia has confirmed this week that the 2021 competition will not go ahead as planned, and instead be replaced by a localised hub-based model in each state.

Replacing the Australian Netball League (ANL) and initially planned to take the court in Traralgon from September 13-19, the ANC is a critical opportunity for developing players to showcase their skill and potential to Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) clubs and list managers. While the new-look competition is not a cancellation, the 2021 championships will look a little different to planned as states governments, netball governing bodies and SSN clubs work in unison to “deliver localised opportunities” and “enable high-performance progression of athletes, coaches, umpires and officials in a coronavirus impacted environment”.

“As a result of government restrictions, the unpredictability of snap border closures and state lockdowns, the delivery of a centralised tournament in Victoria is no longer a viable option,” Netball Australia Executive General Manager Performance Stacey West said.

“This new model will enable opportunities in a covid impacted environment, for the ongoing development of athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials in their progression through the high-performance pathway.”

With further details such as new dates and locations still yet to be confirmed, Netball Australia has communicated that an ANC champion will not be declared in 2021, and a new-look competition is in the works for 2022 to ensure appropriate opportunities are granted to developing players.

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