Tests boycott may follow netball protests

A boycott of Australia's international netball fixtures remains a live option for the nation's best players after they staged symbolic protests at Super Netball matches across the weekend.

Players from opposing teams linked arms around the centre circle before their round nine matches, joining in a minute's silence as a show of resolve and solidarity.

At Sunday's double-header in Sydney, national team stars Kim Green and Sharni Layton reaffirmed the stand taken by the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA), which last week threatened industrial action, consideration of a rebel league and a boycott of international matches for the rest of the year..

It came amid a "devastating" week of boardroom moves at Netball Australia, which players perceived as contrary to the game's best interests.

Those included the ousting of Anne-Marie Corboy as Netball Australia chair and former Diamonds captain Kathryn Harby-Williams' subsequent failure to secure re-election to the board.

"That's why we signed it, the Players' Association have always had our back," said Green, confirming the warnings in an ANPA letter to new NA chair Paolina Hunt last Wednesday.

"We put all our trust in (the ANPA) and that's just where we're at with it."

Layton said the feeling of solidarity was strong, particularly among the new clubs.

"For us to stand there, Collingwood and the Giants, two of the brand new franchises, it was kind of like 'This is what we've created. This is what we've wanted and worked for as a players association, as a sport, for the last 12 years'," she said.

The possibility of Super Netball strike action was deeply considered. However, Layton said, the players wanted to take to the court.

"When it comes to governance, players don't have a lot of control," she said.

"So all we can do is (what is) within our control and that is putting out a great product for the fans and broadcasters and everyone that is still contributing to our sport.

"That's what we wanted to do today and that's why we didn't go on strike.

"We needed to let everyone know there is an issue higher up and that's why we stood in the circle, to highlight that, and hopefully there has now been a light shone upon that. ... We're all standing strong together as eight teams and every player is behind us.

"Everyone knows where we stand now as players and what we are supporting. Obviously we didn't get the result we wanted because we have lost two incredibly empowering and influential women from the board of our sport, who were taking our sport to great places.

"That was pretty devastating for the players this week. We just want an independent board that is going to move our sport forward."

Layton said she was unsure what the next steps would be.

"They know where we stand on this, they know what our thoughts and opinions are. Whether they choose to take that on board or not, we'll have to wait and see."