THE AUSTRALIAN netball community is steamrolling towards yet another Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season, and as we head into that new season, there are plenty of players to keep an eye on, but for a multitude of reasons. From youngsters just starting out to new faces to the league and even returnees from injury, here’s five (technically six) players to keep an eye on in 2025.

Hannah Petty

On the one hand, as the captain of the back to back champions the last two years could not have gone much better for Adelaide skipper Hannah Petty.

On the other hand though, the last two years has also seen Petty’s court time drop pretty dramatically, as others have gone ahead of her in the pecking order for those centre and wing defence positions.

Even though she is captain, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues heading into 2025 or whether Petty can become that first choice mid courter again.

Mary Cholhok

One of the biggest offseason signings was the Ugandan star, who has moved Down Under from the English Netball Super League.

Her signature is a massive coup for the Firebirds, with her height, reach, agility and lay up abilities all huge assets. But, after having played in the English league for so long, how long will it take Cholhok to adjust to the pace of the Australian league?

Isabelle Shearer

Sticking with the Firebirds, and after the departure of Remi Kamo after the 2024 season, there is a gap on court in defence to be filled.

Sherar was on the Firebirds’ list last season, but this season has a real opportunity to really make a place on court her own. Can she do it? Only time will tell.

Sasha Glasgow and Lauren Parkinson

This is two players, but with similar tales to tell they are listed together.

Both Glasgow and Parkinson had their debut seasons with the Mavericks ruined by serious injuries, with Glasgow suffering a leg injury in a preseason practise match and Moore going down with an ACL injury at the Team Girls Cup.

About a year has now passed since they both went down with their injuries, so it should not be too long before we see them both out on the netball court again. But how will their return go? Can they click with their team mates straight away?

Verity Simmons

Simmons retired from netball a couple of years ago, and many rightfully thought we would never see Simmons on a netball court again. But, after a few seasons and a sporting career change, an opportunity has emerged for Simmons to return to the SSN and she has taken it.

With some obvious similarities to how she and Maddy Proud – the player who she is temporarily replacing – play, it will be interesting to see how well Simmons integrated into the Swifts’ system.