New teams, new rivalries, new players and new coaches
When does it start?
The competition kicks off on February 18 and will run until June, 2017. This will deliver fans a 17-week season.
Who will take part?
There will be 80 of the best netballers on the planet competing in the league. Each team has a squad of 10 which is a reduction on past years. The competition will be dominated by Australians with 64 locals playing alongside 16 imports representing seven different counties.
Which clubs are involved?
The established clubs are NSW Swifts, Queensland Firebirds, Melbourne Vixens, West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds. The new clubs are Collingwood Magpies, Giants Netball and Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The five-year broadcasting deal with the Nine Network and Telstra will ensure live free-to-air TV coverage of two games a week for the 2017 season.
The Fixtures
Round One:
GIANTS v SWIFTS
Feb 18, 2017
5pm
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
VIXENS v MAGPIES
Feb 18, 2017
7pm
Hisense Arena
FIREBIRDS v LIGHTNING
Feb 18, 2017
7.45pm
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
THUNDERBIRDS v FEVER
Feb 19
12.30pm local time
Adelaide Priceline Stadium
Aussies to watch
KIM GREEN: Giants Netball
The savvy veteran who stepped down from the Australian team after winning the 2015 world title but has decided to play on so she could be part of netball’s new future. She will lead by example — on and off the court — and will play and integral role in setting up the culture of the new club.
SHARNI LAYTON: Magpies
One of the queens of defence and a crowd favourite. Layton puts her heart and soul into games and the crowd responds in kind. Will be pivotal to the Magpies’ success in their inaugural year in the new league.
CAITLIN BASSETT: Lightning
Big, deadly accurate and a real crowd-pleaser. In 2015 she stunned the international world when she racked up a PB of 55 goals in the Constellation Cup. Hard to defend and rules the attacking end with finesse.
Internationals to watch
LAURA LANGMAN: Lightning
When it comes to on-court leaders, Langman is one of the best in the game. She brings years of experience to the new club along with a few tricks up her sleeve after a long stint with the Silver Ferns for years. Langman has moved from the Swifts to the new club for the season and will play a major role for them as they bid to make an initial impact.
MWAI KUMWENDA: Vixens
One of the best shooters in the game and certain to make her mark early with her new side, Kumwenda comes to the club with great form and keen to make a big impression. From Malawai, this international also has some smooth moves and is expected to be a big hit with fans.
JOANNE HARTEN: Giants
Will bring plenty of experience to the new club with 81 internationals under her belt. This talented shooter will add something different to the mix for the Giants. Can play goal attack or goal shooter.
Contract Information
Under the new collective agreement, players contracted to this year’s league will share from a total payment pool of $5.4 million.
Each club will have up to $675,000 to spend on its list of 10 contracted athletes, meaning that the average salary will increase to $67,500.
The bulk of the payment pool for each club comprises $500,000 in retainer payments, plus up to $150,000 for bona fide employment, education and/or ambassador roles. The remaining payments come from health insurance and technology allowances.
The minimum salary for a player will more than double from the trans-Tasman deal, from just $13,250 to $27,375
Athletes will be on 12 month part-time contracts, averaging 20 hours per week. The hours from 10am to 4pm will be protected, providing every athlete with the opportunity for additional work and/or study.
Players will be entitled to a groundbreaking parental care policy for players with young children; private health insurance contributions of up to $1,500 per annum, per player; and 100% income protection on all earnings for up to two years in the event of injury or pregnancy.
For more information on the Suncorp Super Netball League 2017 click here.
