‘Dilemma’ facing Super Netball teams as feeding frenzy heats up
Each Super Netball team needs at least three shooters.
This can be a mix of players who only play goal shooter (think Mary Cholhok or Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard), those who can swap between goal shooter and goal attack, and those who also play wing attack (like Georgie Horjus and Grace Whyte).
Sophie Garbin. Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Given the influence of the super shot, having more than one of those three who are very comfortable shooting from long range is crucial.
The challenge is often there will be a combination of two shooters on a team which just functions so well that the third shooter finds herself getting little court time.
And if you’re an ambitious netballer, with sights on a green and gold dress in a World Cup year, that’s not a great place to be.
As we are now about halfway through the signing period of the 2027 Super Netball teams, there’s been enough movement in and out of teams to highlight a dilemma – for coaches yet to lock in their shooting trio and for some of the players.
The number of spots left for 2026 season players has been reduced as a result of two new players joining Super Netball from New Zealand: Ameliaranne Ekenasio (Fever) and Georgia Heffernan (Lightning).
It is looking like some of the shooters we have seen over the 2026 season may not get contracted for 2027, and that up-and-comers like Nicola Barge will need to wait at least another year for a permanent role.
The Vixens have their two Diamond shooters in Sophie Garbin and Keira Austin locked in for 2027. This could be an opportunity for an up-and-coming player to learn from two stars of the game, but an established player may not want to risk spending most of their time on the bench.
The Sydney Sirens could yet retain the Giants′ three original shooters from 2026, in Sophie Dwyer, Lucy Austin (out for most of 2026 due to injury) and Matise Letherbarrow. But given their disappointing season in 2026 and the change of ownership of the club, the Sirens may be looking to change up their team for 2027.
Cara Koenen has left the Sunshine Coast, and will be looking for a club that can put her primarily as goal shooter. That may work well for the Swifts, as they have retained Helen Housby and Grace Whyte who are both strong players in the centre third.
Mary Cholhok (ex-Firebirds) would be another contender for that role. As one of the tallest players in the competition, she would be a valuable addition to any of the clubs.
Grace Newke has not yet shown her hand for 2027, other than confirming she will be leaving the Swifts. Given her athleticism and accuracy when close to the post, the Silver Fern will be in demand as a specialist goal shooter.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds are Super Netball champions. Getty Images
Other options for the clubs still to fill their shooting circle are Sasha Glasgow, Sacha McDonald, Gabby Sinclair and Lily Graham.
There are still two spots available in Adelaide at the Thunderbirds. Keeping the premiership- winning team together, with Georgie Horjus and Elmere Van der Berg rejoining Lauren Frew, would be expected.
At some point soon, the music stops, and we will see who will be looking for other opportunities, potentially out of Australia, for 2027.
