A HUGE week in the netball world has seen some big player movements erupt prior to the signing period opening and a couple of coaches exploring other options next season. We take a look at the week that was and how the announcements could affect the competition. 

**Note: Suncorp Super Netball is yet to announce the 2020 trade period

Caitlin Bassett

2020 club: GIANTS Netball

Arguably one of the biggest trans-tasman steals in a long time, with Bassett announcing during the week that she is heading to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic for season 2021. With limited court time this year, Bassett will make the switch to the ANZ Premiership citing limited opportunities on court and the knowledge that she was not part of coach Julie Fitzgerald’s preferred starting seven. Speculation around Bassett’s future has been circulating for a number of weeks now, after the Australian Diamonds captain only managed one full game for the season – her 200th appearance.

“My time with the GIANTS didn’t play out as anticipated and I guess that’s just sport sometimes,” Bassett said in a statement published by GIANTS Netball.

“I couldn’t be more excited to head to New Zealand and join the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic… “To experience the game in another country and play alongside and against some of the world’s best netballers is a really exciting challenge and valuable experience for me.”

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Roselee Jencke

2020 club: Queensland Firebirds

A huge announcement given the Firebirds’ success this season and the recent media scrutiny. A highly regarded coach of the Firebirds over 11 years of service to the Queensland-based club, including three premierships from five grand final appearances, Jencke informed the club that she would not stay on despite an exciting season for Firebirds fans after a tumultuous 2019. It is an intriguing decision, given the position the Firebirds are in this year and the rate of development of Jencke’s talented youngsters.

“Finishing the season with strong momentum has positioned this group well for the future, so it’s the right time for the team to start their next chapter,” Jencke said.

“I’m very proud of everything we have achieved over the last 11 years – there have been challenging times, however there have been many more moments of joy and success, and I want to thank everyone in the club and our wonderful fans for their support over the years.”

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Sasha Glasgow

2020 club: Adelaide Thunderbirds

This one is where the speculations start, with the 22-year-old advising the club that she would be exploring free agency following a season where, much like Bassett, Glasgow sat on the bench. Returning from a late-2019 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, Glasgow took to the court a couple of times, showcasing her silky movement in the goal circle but given the calibre of her replacement in international shooting superstar Lenize Potgieter, was often forced to the sidelines. With the ability to slot in at goal shooter – her preferred position – or goal attack, Glasgow will hope for a lifeline from a club looking to add a versatile string to their bow. 

Like Bassett, Glasgow is sure to explore her options, with a couple of teams – in multiple leagues – yet to announce their goaling combinations ahead of next year, and given her youth should be able to snag a spot after an outstanding 2019 season. A move to the Melbourne Vixens is among a couple of viable options but could be overlooked given the club’s continuous development of local talent, while Central Pulse (ANZ Premiership) and Leeds Rhinos (Vitality Netball Superleague) also have not yet confirmed their goalers for next season.

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Rob Wright

2020 club: Collingwood Magpies

Of all the changes made this week, it is safe to say that this was probably the least surprising given the Magpies’ woes this season. While Collingwood was not only slammed with pregnancies prior to and during their signings last season, fresh injuries to the likes of Madi and Kelsey Browne midway through the season did not help the Magpies’ case and saw the side collect just one victory in 2020. While Wright’s developing signings showed plenty of promise this season, the lack of experience and subsequent retirements of a couple of key figureheads in Madi Browne and Nat Medhurst will see another completely new-look side head into the 2021 season, with a new coach to help with the fresh start.

“It was a privilege and a pleasure to coach Collingwood and a rewarding professional challenge to oversee the transition from one team to the next,” Wright said in a statement released by Collingwood.

“The realities of high performance sport can be brutal but we all accept them, players and coaches alike. The SSN is the best domestic netball competition in the world and it is tough.

“That said, I believe Collingwood is positioned to re-emerge in 2021. I hope it does. Thanks to Collingwood and everyone in the program.”