The 2025 Super Netball season is barely two rounds in, but we’re already seeing a major shift in the power dynamics of the league. In a stunning turn of events, the Queensland Firebirds have surged to their best start since 2016, while the typically dominant West Coast Fever sit winless and bottom of the ladder.
A commanding 67–54 win for the Firebirds over the Fever has exposed the latter’s reliance on Jamaican shooting superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, who remains on maternity leave. Despite hopeful signs in pre-season from young gun Olivia Wilkinson and fellow Jamaican import Shanice Beckford, the Fever’s scoring output has plummeted. Their two opening losses have come by a combined 31 points, and they currently have the lowest goal tally in the league.
There is growing anticipation around Fowler-Nembhard’s potential return after her tragic loss in January. The club confirmed she has completed the required four weeks’ notice to return to work from maternity leave and is awaiting final clearance from medical staff. A Round 4 appearance against the Melbourne Vixens could be on the cards.
Firebirds Legends Stir Controversy
While Firebirds fans celebrated their long-awaited resurgence, a snide social media post from club legends Laura Geitz and Kim Ravaillion raised eyebrows. The pair, both part of the Firebirds’ golden era of trans-Tasman premierships in 2015 and 2016, shared an Instagram story captioned: “I reckon the culture is in pretty safe hands,” following the team’s latest win.
The remark appeared to mock former players Remi Kamo and Donnell Wallam, who departed the club under strained circumstances last year. Kamo even lodged an official complaint regarding the club’s culture.
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While current coach Kiri Wills is earning plaudits for rebuilding the team dynamic and leading them to back-to-back victories, critics argue that such comments from former stars undermine the legitimate experiences of past players who raised concerns. Former players Romelda Aiken-George, Beryl Friday, and Helena Saunders also left the club after difficult tenures, indicating deeper systemic issues that cannot be brushed aside with wins alone.
Swifts, Vixens, and Thunderbirds Deliver
In what many are calling the match of the round, the NSW Swifts edged out the Melbourne Mavericks 68–62 in a contest that showcased strategic excellence and physical grit. Minimal interference from umpires allowed the game to flow, and the Swifts’ sharper super shot usage ultimately proved the difference.
The Melbourne Vixens bounced back from a Round 1 thumping to defeat the Giants 61–55 in a gritty performance, while the Adelaide Thunderbirds, led by a visibly unwell but still dominant Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, dismantled the Sunshine Coast Lightning 60–45. Sterling-Humphrey’s 11 gains were instrumental in shutting down Australia’s premier attacking line.
Diamonds Under Scrutiny as Koenen Struggles
The Lightning’s defeat has intensified scrutiny on several Australian Diamonds players, especially shooter Cara Koenen. Despite her talent and experience, Koenen’s reluctance to take two-point super shots — which she admits could make her “redundant” — has sparked debate about her form and confidence.
Compounding the criticism is her poor showing against Sterling-Humphrey, where Koenen was outclassed physically and tactically. But the pressure on Koenen has prompted questions about why other high-profile Diamonds aren’t facing similar levels of critique.
Liz Watson, now at Lightning after nearly a decade with the Vixens, has had a quiet start to the season. While still effective in feeding the circle (41 feeds), she has also committed a league-high 12 turnovers in just two games. Courtney Bruce, also new to the Lightning, has battled injury and looked out of sorts on Sunday, registering just one gain and 18 penalties in nearly a full game. Her young replacement, Ash Ervin, impressed with five gains in limited minutes.
The form dip of multiple Diamonds players is concerning, particularly ahead of the international season. Yet the intense spotlight remains fixed on Koenen — a discrepancy that raises questions about fairness and media bias.
What’s Next?
With Round 3 fast approaching and a split round on the horizon, all eyes are on whether the Fever can recalibrate and whether Fowler-Nembhard will return to offer salvation. The Firebirds, rejuvenated under Wills and emboldened by a record-breaking home crowd, will look to build on their early momentum.
Meanwhile, the Diamonds‘ elite core faces increasing pressure to justify their pedigree at domestic level, particularly as younger stars like Ash Ervin begin to shine.
Super Netball in 2025 is proving unpredictable, emotional, and full of compelling storylines. And we’re only two weeks in.
