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Suncorp Super Netball is Australia’s leading professional netball competition, featuring eight top teams competing for the national championship. Established in 2017, it quickly gained a reputation for high-quality matches and some of the best players worldwide. The league offers fast, skilful netball that consistently draws strong crowds and plenty of interest across Australia and New Zealand.
Suncorp Super Netball Season Overview
The Suncorp Super Netball 2025 season began on 5 April and concluded with the Grand Final on 2 August at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The Melbourne Vixens won the championship, narrowly defeating the minor premiers West Coast Fever by just one point.
Top Performing Teams
The season saw West Coast Fever finish as minor premiers, winning 12 of their 14 matches and accumulating 48 points, with a goal percentage of 110.87%. The NSW Swifts claimed second spot with 10 wins, 40 points, and a goal percentage of 107.28%. The Adelaide Thunderbirds secured third place with 8 wins and 32 points, with a goal percentage of 105.36%. The Melbourne Vixens matched the Thunderbirds in wins and points but had a lower goal percentage of 100.12%. However, they still edged out West Coast Fever to claim the championship.
Team Performances
West Coast Fever showed remarkable form, setting records for consecutive wins and home game attendance. Their blend of talent, experience, and depth made them a formidable side during the regular season. However, their campaign ended in heartbreak when they lost the Grand Final by a single point to the Vixens.
The Melbourne Vixens, despite finishing fourth in the regular season, peaked at the right time. Led by standout players such as Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin, they blended strong attacking play with solid defence. Their composure under pressure saw them edge out the Fever in a dramatic finish.
The NSW Swifts fought hard to finish second on the ladder, with Grace Nweke making a significant impression in her first season with the team. The Swifts showed consistent offensive and defensive efforts, maintaining a competitive edge throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Adelaide Thunderbirds demonstrated solid team performances, particularly in attack and defence, securing third place. They faced tough challenges but stayed competitive to reach the finals.
Melbourne Mavericks
The Melbourne Mavericks had a challenging season, finishing seventh with 4 wins and 10 losses. Coached by Tracey Neville, they played home games at John Cain Arena and MyState Bank Arena. Despite a tough campaign, the Mavericks showed potential with a notable upset victory over the top-ranked NSW Swifts (68-64).
Key players included Shimona Jok, Sasha Glasgow, Eleanor Cardwell (who battled injuries), and replacement player Uneeq Palavi. Their midcourt and defence showed determination despite the results. The Mavericks are building experience and cohesion in their second season, with hopes of improving in future campaigns.
Player Statistics and Leaders
Several players excelled in key statistics during the season. Grace Nweke of the NSW Swifts was a standout, scoring over 700 net points and establishing herself as one of the league’s most effective shooters. Kiera Austin ranked sixth in centre pass receives and fourth in successful super shots, shooting at an impressive 59 per cent accuracy. Her dual role in attack and defence was pivotal to the Vixens’ success.
Defensively, Latanya Wilson led the league in deflections, showcasing her ball-winning ability. Kate Eddy and Jo Weston were among the top defenders, with Eddy tallying numerous intercepts and Weston ranking highly for deflections and defensive rebounds.
Awards and Honors
The 2025 season of Suncorp Super Netball saw Jo Weston of the Melbourne Vixens receive the Sharelle McMahon Medal as the club’s most valuable player. Her steady defensive performances, including 50 deflections and 15 intercepts, were crucial to the Vixens’ championship run.
Liz Watson, also from the Vixens, was awarded the Liz Ellis Diamond and International Player of the Year, recognising her excellence at both domestic and international levels. Sophie Garbin was named Player of the Finals for her influential role in the Grand Final.
Jhaniele Fowler of West Coast Fever won the Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year and was selected as the goal shooter in the Team of the Year. Other notable awards went to Georgie Horjus (Adelaide Thunderbirds) as International Player of the Year and Lauren Frew as Rookie of the Year.
On the coaching side, coach Simone McKinnis OAM received the Joyce Brown Coach of the Year award for guiding the Vixens to their title in her final season.
Season Highlights and Milestones
The season was marked by unforgettable moments. West Coast Fever established a new league record with 13 consecutive wins and secured their first-ever minor premiership, thrilling supporters nationwide. The Grand Final attracted over 15,000 fans to Rod Laver Arena, setting a new attendance record for the league and reflecting netball’s growing following.
The final itself was a tense, closely contested match between Fever and underdog Melbourne Vixens. The Vixens’ tactical composure and determination saw them claim victory by a single point. Sophie Garbin’s precise shooting and Jo Weston’s consistent defence were key to the outcome.
Suncorp Super Netball Finals Series
The Suncorp Super Netball 2025 finals were a showcase of drama and skill. The Grand Final featured the minor premiers West Coast Fever against the Melbourne Vixens, who had finished fourth in the regular season. The match was decided by a single point, 59-58, with the Vixens narrowly claiming the title.
Kiera Austin was named the Grand Final MVP for her outstanding contribution, while Sophie Garbin’s clutch shooting and Jo Weston’s defence were pivotal. The victory marked the Vixens’ second Super Netball championship and a fitting send-off for coach Simone McKinnis.
FAQs
What is Suncorp Super Netball and how is the competition structured?
Suncorp Super Netball is Australia’s main professional netball league, featuring eight teams competing in a 14-round regular season. Each team plays every other twice before the top four advance to the finals series, which includes major and minor semi-finals, a preliminary final, and the Grand Final to determine the champion.
Which teams and star players compete in Suncorp Super Netball?
In 2025, the competition included Adelaide Thunderbirds, GIANTS Netball, Melbourne Mavericks, Melbourne Vixens, NSW Swifts, Queensland Firebirds, Sunshine Coast Lightning, and West Coast Fever. Key players were Grace Nweke, Sophie Garbin, Jo Weston, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, and Latanya Wilson, among others.
How can I watch or stream Suncorp Super Netball matches live?
Matches can be watched live on FOX SPORTS through Foxtel, Kayo, and BINGE in Australia, with Sunday games and the finals series free on Kayo Freebies. International viewers can access matches via NetballPass.
