A new pilot program to bolster high performance pathway opportunities will be trialed during the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Developed in consultation with Member Organisations and Suncorp Super Netball teams and supported by the Australian Netball Players' Association, Super Netball Reserves will run over five weeks from June 1 to July 7.
Super Netball Reserves was established to support talent identification and to provide additional match play for athletes on the cusp of SSN.
Seven SSN teams will participate in the advanced match play pilot program, which will be open for fans to attend. The Swifts will be represented by the QBE Swifts Academy which underpins the Club.
The Melbourne Mavericks expressed interest but will not participate in 2024 as they prioritise setting up a new team and high performance program for their inaugural SSN season.
Super Netball Reserves will feature athletes who are in or on the cusp of SSN, including training partners, state league players and other athletes.
It will also provide additional opportunities for umpires, coaches and team support staff.
"We are excited to announce Super Netball Reserves will be trialed during the 2024 season," said Netball Australia interim CEO Stacey West.
"The concept has been led by the Suncorp Super Netball teams, who identified a greater need to support talent identification and provide additional match play for athletes on the cusp of Suncorp Super Netball.
"We have worked closely with our Member Organisations, Suncorp Super Netball teams and the Australian Netball Players' Association to develop this pilot program that will enhance high performance playing opportunities.
"Super Netball Reserves will be open to fans, with a number of matches to be played following Suncorp Super Netball matches.
"We will trial Super Netball Reserves this year and continue to look at how we can bolster playing opportunities and provide more pathway opportunities into the future."
SUPER NETBALL RESERVES FIXTURE:
Round 8
- Saturday 1 June: Firebirds v Fever (10:00am AEST, Nissan Arena)
- Saturday 1 June: Lightning v Thunderbirds (3:45pm AEST, UniSC Arena)
- Saturday 1 June: Vixens v Giants (Post SSN match, John Cain Arena)
- Sunday 2 June: Lightning v Fever (12:00pm AEST, UniSC Arena)
- Sunday 2 June: Firebirds v Thunderbirds (4:00pm AEST, Nissan Arena)
- Sunday 2 June: Vixens v QBE Swifts Academy (11:00am AEST, State Netball Centre, Parkville)
Round 9
- Saturday 8 June: Giants v Firebirds (12:00pm AEST, Ken Rosewall Arena)
- Saturday 8 June: QBE Swifts Academy v Lightning (Post SSN match, Ken Rosewall Arena)
- Sunday 9 June: Thunderbirds v Fever (8:45am AEST, Netball SA Stadium)
- Sunday 9 June: QBE Swifts Academy v Firebirds (11:00am AEST, Ken Rosewall Arena)
- Sunday 9 June: Giants v Lightning (Post SSN match, Ken Rosewall Arena)
Round 10
- Saturday 15 June: Giants v Thunderbirds Post (SSN match, Ken Rosewall Arena)
- Saturday 15 June: Lightning v Vixens (3:45pm AEST, UniSC Arena)
- Sunday 16 June: Firebirds v Vixens (11:30am AEST, Nissan Arena)
- Sunday 16 June: Fever v QBE Swifts Academy (7:30pm AEST, Gold Netball Centre)
Round 12
- Saturday 29 June: Thunderbirds v Vixens (Post SSN Match, Adelaide Entertainment Centre)
- Sunday 30 June: Fever v Giants (7:30pm AEST, Gold Netball Centre)
Round 13
- Saturday 6 July: Firebirds v Lightning (4:15pm, AEST Nissan Arena)
- Sunday 7 July: Vixens v Fever (Post SSN match, John Cain Arena)
- Sunday 7 July: QBE Swifts Academy v Thunderbirds (Post SSN, match Ken Rosewall Arena)
Round 14
- Sunday 14 July: Giants v QBE Swifts Academy (11:00am AEST, Ken Rosewall Arena)
