Limited Spots and Low Pay Force Athletes to Seek Greener Pastures

Australia’s professional netball scene is facing a crisis, with many talented players turning to the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) for better opportunities and financial stability. The Super Netball league, touted as the world’s premier elite netball competition, is struggling to retain its top players, who are increasingly attracted to the AFLW’s more lucrative contracts and shorter training periods.

With only 65 contracted positions available in Super Netball, and a minimum salary of $46,600 for full-time players, many athletes are finding it difficult to make a living from the sport. In contrast, the AFLW offers a minimum contract of $67,337, making it a more attractive option for those seeking financial security. This disparity in pay is a major concern for many netball players, who often have to rely on part-time jobs or sponsorships to make ends meet.

The Super Netball league has attempted to address this issue by introducing the “11th player” role in 2024, a six-month minimum-salary position designed to bolster pathway progression for junior Australian players. However, this move has done little to alleviate the pressure on players, who still face intense competition for a limited number of spots.

The AFLW, on the other hand, has implemented a more streamlined recruitment process, with a draft system that allows emerging talent to be selected in a single day. This approach has been praised by many players, who see it as a more transparent and fair way to determine who will make the cut. “With footy, when you turn 18, if you’re in the best 50 footballers in Australia, you’re going to get drafted,” says Georgie Cleaver, a second-year West Coast Eagles player and former training partner of the West Coast Fever. “Whereas in netball, at 18, 19, 20, you’re not guaranteed a spot at all.”

While some players have managed to break into Super Netball after years of training, many others have been forced to give up their sport or wait indefinitely for an opportunity. Sharni Lambden, who spent eight years as a training partner before finally signing with the NSW Swifts, is a rare exception to this rule. However, her story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in a sport with such limited opportunities.

The situation is likely to continue unless Super Netball can offer more attractive contracts and a more streamlined recruitment process. As one former player noted, “If you want to be a training partner in Melbourne, you have to work and play netball seven times a week in the preseason. It’s not enough money to live on.” With the AFLW offering a more secure financial future, it’s no wonder that many young athletes are opting to pursue other sports rather than wait for a spot in Super Netball.

The impact of this talent drain is already being felt, with Super Netball’s most successful teams struggling to maintain their dominance. The Diamonds, Australia’s national netball team, are also feeling the pinch, with many of their top players opting to pursue AFLW opportunities rather than continue playing for their country.

In the long term, this could have serious consequences for the sport as a whole. Netball has long been one of Australia’s most popular sports, with a strong following and a rich history. However, if the Super Netball league continues to struggle to retain its top players, it’s likely that the sport will suffer as a result.

It’s time for Super Netball to take a hard look at its recruitment process and offer more attractive contracts to its players. If not, it’s possible that the sport could lose some of its most talented athletes to the AFLW, leaving it a shadow of its former self.