ALTHOUGH there is just over a week to play out in the Suncorp Super Netball signing period a number of clubs have finalised their lists for the 2021 season. Queensland Firebirds were relatively quick to secure their 10-player roster as were the NSW Swifts. Both the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Collingwood Magpies finalised their squads days ago with a number of fresh faces joining the fray while the West Coast Fever are set for another consistent season given the limited player turnover. There are still a number of spots available, with the GIANTS, Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens yet to round out their respective squads for the 2021 season.

Collingwood Magpies

• Melissa Bragg
• Ash Brazill
• Kelsey Browne
• Molly Jovic
• Kalifa McCollin
• Geva Mentor
• Shimona Nelson
• Jacqui Newton
• Gabrielle Sinclair
• Jodi-Ann Ward

The potential return of Ash Brazill will be huge for Collingwood who have a relatively young and inexperienced side heading into next season. Kalifa McCollin will be an exciting player to watch after plying her trade with the Southern Steel in the ANZ Premiership in 2020 while the evolution of Molly Jovic and Mel Bragg will be another focal point for Collingwood next season. Jodi-Ann Ward developed at a rate of knots throughout their campaign while the acquisition of Jacqui Newton will only strengthen their defensive stocks. With a finalised squad the Pies are awaiting the final piece of the puzzle – a coach – to round out the final touches to their line-up.

NSW Swifts

• Tayla Fraser
• Sophie Garbin
• Paige Hadley
• Nat Haythornthwaite
• Helen Housby
• Sarah Klau
• Lauren Moore
• Maddy Proud
• Maddy Turner
• Sam Wallace

The Swifts somewhat flew under the radar throughout the signing period with a majority of their players snatched up early. Consistency has long been a theme for the Swifts and they continued that with no new faces joining, just Tayla Fraser officially elevated to the main group for 2021. Fraser showed glimpses of brilliance with her speed and fancy footwork often providing a spark to the Swifts frontend. The connection between Maddy Turner, Lauren Moore and Sarah Klau will only further develop as will the dynamic duo in Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley through the centre.

Queensland Firebirds

• Romelda Aiken
• Gretel Bueta
• Lara Dunkley
• Tippah Dwan
• Rudi Ellis
• Tara Hinchliffe
• Kim Jenner
• Jemma Mi Mi
• Kim Ravaillion
• Gabi Simpson

After an impressive rise up the ladder in 2020 the Firebirds have added a familiar name to the fold for next season with Kim Ravaillion set to once again pull on the purple dress. A formidable force through the centre with her defensive attributes key, her presence and experience will be crucial in helping push for a Firebirds finals tilt. Gretel Bueta is likely to rejoin the squad after giving birth while the services of Tippah Dwan have been retained. It is no surprise the defensive duo in Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe are back for another season, however much like Collingwood they are waiting for a coach to be announced to cap off a solid and exciting list.

Sunshine Coast Lightning

• Mahalia Cassidy
• Cara Koenen
• Phumza Maweni
• Maddy McAuliffe
• Karla Pretorius
• Peace Proscovia
• Laura Scherian
• Kate Shimmin
• Ashlee Unie
• Steph Wood

The retirement of Laura Langman sent shockwaves throughout the netball community, but when one door closes another opens with Mahalia Cassidy joining the Lightning for 2021. A similar player to Langman in the sense she is more defensive minded and has an impressive tank, Cassidy will be an exciting addition to Sunshine Coast. Another exciting pickup for the two-time premiers is Kate Shimmin with the former Adelaide Thunderbirds defender set to inject some versatility and excitement into a tried and tested defensive unit while youngster Ash Unie has also been elevated, adding to a strong core of players.

West Coast Fever

• Jess Anstiss
• Sunday Aryang
• Courtney Bruce
• Verity Charles
• Emma Cosh
• Jhaniele Fowler
• Stacey Francis
• Sasha Glasgow
• Olivia Lewis
• Alice Teague-Neeld

There was only one change to the Fever line-up ahead of the 2021 season with Sasha Glasgow the only newcomer to the club. Although more of a goal shooter, Glasgow has proven that she is a strong option out in goal attack too and is accurate from both under the post or on the perimeter. After a breakout season, Sunday Aryang has been elevated to the full time roster credit to her explosiveness, read of the play and impressive versatility to swing between all three defensive roles. Emma Cosh has also been rewarded for her efforts earning a spot in their 10 player squad with her versatility key able to play in both goals and wing attack.

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