Super Netball 2022 season preview: where your club will finish

And it means netball fans are in for a treat as the world's best players (well, not the Kiwi ones) put their best feet forward (and keep them planted) during the sixth edition of the Super Netball league in 2022.

Diamonds dresses are at a premium. So are gold medals. Australia hasn't won one since Glasgow 2014. The Diamonds' last major success followed a year later at the 2015 world cup in Sydney. For a country with a netball history as proud as Australia's, that's not good enough.

Twelve women will be determined to repay the pain England dealt Australia when Helen Housby's last-second goal in the 2018 gold medal game on the Gold Coast handed the Roses an historic victory.

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It sets the scene for an intense domestic season as players vie for a plane ticket to Birmingham.

Barring injury, there's a handful of certain selections.

Diamonds captain Liz Watson and vice-captain Steph Wood are on the plane. Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau and Jo Weston will be three of the defenders. Gretel Bueta will be the first shooter picked.

Ash Brazill stamped her mark as Australia's first-choice wing defence in January's Quad Series, while the versatility of Paige Hadley and Jamie Lee Price across all three midcourt roles all but locks them in.

Realistically, there's three spots up for grabs. Who wants them most?

Super Netball is one of the leaders in women's sport when it comes to maternity conditions. And players are increasingly opting to have children during their careers as opposed to the only option that used to exist - post-retirement.

Bueta and Kim Ravaillion have their own mini creche at the Firebirds with Bobby and Georgia. April Brandley's son Clay is the Giants' No.1 fan. Brazill's wife Brooke also gave birth to the couple's son Louis in 2020.

Already this off-season Firebirds star Romelda Aiken-George and Sunshine Coast veteran Karla Pretorius have announced their pregnancies - and intentions to continue their careers.

It's a great development for the game but also a tricky one for clubs to plan around. George and Pretorius leave holes in their respective sides that are impossible to replace - or plan for.

Twelve players have been promoted from training partner status to full-time squad roles across the league in 2022, with West Coast Fever, who only had one change from last year's side, the only club not to promote young talent from within.

It's a huge show of faith from the other seven clubs. And given Giants shooter Sophie Dwyer helped fire her side all the way to the grand final in 2021 after her promotion from a training partner to a full-time role, it's about time the next generation was given a crack at the big time.

There's a bold new look for the sport in 2022 after Netball Australia inked a five-year deal to showcase its elite league on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

There's an inherent risk in taking your sport away from free-to-air TV, where netball has lived - with often mixed success - on Channel Nine for the past five years.

Two of the four matches each round will be available to everyone via Kayo Freebies, as will all finals matches. Diamonds matches will also be free.

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Pre- and post-round magazine-style shows, Centre Circle and Pivot, hosted by the excellent Hannah Hollis, as well as in-depth player podcast interviews are a fantastic step in the right direction for the serious coverage netball fans have been crying out for.

Former Diamonds stars Bianca Chatfield, Cath Cox, Laura Geitz, Kim Green, Sharni Norder (nee Layton), Madi Browne, Caitlin Thwaites and Caitlin Bassett, along with current Australia representatives Liz Watson, Gretel Bueta and Paige Hadley will add their insights across this season's coverage.

There's only one thing missing: Liz Ellis.

The Diamonds and Swifts legend is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport - and an incredible commentator to boot.

So where is she? Some high-quality journalisming shows Ellis will be travelling around Australia with her family in a caravan this year. A well-earned break, to be sure.

But netball coverage won't be the same without her. It's like Woody without Buzz, Bonnie without Clyde, Bert without Ernie.

Hopefully Uncle Rupert can funnel away some funds from the tinfoil hat-wearing gibberers on Sky News to give Lizzy a satellite phone to give her take from Uluru while she's on her travels.

Melbourne Vixens captain Watson and defender Weston are locks for the Diamonds' Commonwealth Games squad. Emily Mannix, Kate Molonoey and Kiera Austin are also huge chances to make that squad.

Wing defence Kate Eddy has been part of two of the last three premiership squads. Malawi shooter Mwai Kumwenda is one of the league's best.

The Vixens will be incredibly hard to stop in 2022.

2021 finish: 7^th.

Squad: Tippah Dwan, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Elle McDonald, Maisie Nankivell, Hannah Petty, Lenize Potgieter, Shamera Sterling, Tayla Williams, Latanya Wilson.

Gains: Tippah Dwan (Firebirds), Tayla Williams (training partner).

Losses: Sam Gooden (released), Shadine van der Merwe (UK).

Coach: Tania Obst.

It's a big year for: Shamera Sterling. The feisty defender, who led the league in intercepts (49) last year, will again need to shine at the back if the Thunderbirds are to make a mark on the competition. Should also be eyeing a medal with Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games.

The verdict: For a club with such a proud history, Adelaide is staring down the barrel of a ninth successive year without playoff action. This young side will probably continue that trend but it surprised plenty of fans with its third-placed finish in the pre-season Team Girls Cup.

Our tip: 6^th.

2021 finish: 6^th.

Squad: Ash Brazill, Kelsey Browne, Sophie Garbin, Molly Jovic, Maggie Lind, Geva Mentor, Shimona Nelson, Jacqui Newton, Gabrielle Sinclair, Jodi-Ann Ward.

Gains: Sophie Garbin (Swifts), Maggie Lind (TP).

Losses: Mel Bragg (released), Kalifa McCollin (released).

Coach: Nicole Richardson.

It's a big year for: Kelsey Browne. The attacking midcourter has had an injury-plagued few seasons, which ultimately cost her a Diamonds dress in January's Quad Series. She'll need to impress in a team that might not win too many games to win it back for the Commonwealth Games.

The verdict: Nabbing Sophie Garbin from the Swifts was a great get for the Pies. Browne and Ash Brazill form a strong midcourt and Geva Mentor is one of the best defenders in the history of the game. But something has just never clicked at Collingwood. It's hard to tip them.

Our tip: 7^th.

2021 finish: 2^nd.

Squad: April Brandley, Sophie Dwyer, Jo Harten, Maddie Hay, Matisse Letherbarrow, Matilda McDonell, Lauren Moore, Amy Parmenter, Jamie-Lee Price, Amy Sligar.

Gains: Matisse Letherbarrow (TP), Lauren Moore (Swifts), Amy Sligar (TP).

Losses: Kiera Austin (Vixens), Kristiana Manu'a (NZ), Sam Poolman (retired).

Coach: Julie Fitzgerald.

It's a big year for: Jo Harten. One of the most inspirational leaders in the game, Harten will need to shine in that department again given the amount of experience the Giants lost post-2021. With a home Commonwealth Games looming post-season, expect big things.

The verdict: It was a heartbreaking finish for the 2021 minor premiers, who lost the grand final and then key defenders Sam Poolman, Kristiana Manu'a and star shooter Kiera Austin. Those absences will be tough to overcome. It will be a huge effort if the Giants can make the finals again.

Our tip: 5^th.

2021 finish: 8th

Squad: Kiera Austin, Kate Eddy, Mwai Kumwenda, Olivia Lewis, Emily Mannix, Kate Moloney, Hannah Mundy, Rahni Samason, Liz Watson, Jo Weston.

Gains: Keira Austin (Giants), Olivia Lewis (Fever), Rahni Samason (TP).

Losses: Kadie-Ann Dehaney (Lightning), Allie Smith (Swifts), Kaylia Stanton (released).

Coach: Simone McKinnis.

It's a big year for: Kiera Austin. Missed all but a few minutes of the 2021 season with an ACL injury. Her defection from the Giants was the league's biggest off-season move. It's always tough coming back from an ACL injury but she has the lure of reclaiming her Diamonds dress, too.

The verdict: First, to worst, to first. That's what the Vixens, who had a year from hell in 2021 with injuries on top of key retirements, are aiming to do. And if they stay injury-free, we think they will. They're a big chance of providing five of the Diamonds' 12-woman Comm Games squad.

Our tip: 1^st.

2021 finish: 1st.

Squad: Tayla Fraser, Paige Hadley, Helen Housby, Sarah Klau, Teigan O'Shannassy, Maddy Proud, Kelly Singleton, Allie Smith, Maddy Turner, Sam Wallace.

Gains: Teigan O'Shannassy (TP), Kelly Singleton (TP), Allie Smith (Vixens).

Losses: Sophie Garbin (Magpies), Nat Haythornthwaite (UK), Lauren Moore (Giants).

Coach: Briony Akle.

It's a big year for: Paige Hadley. The Swifts co-captain finally looked to have cemented a spot as the Diamonds centre in January's quad series. A Commonwealth Games medal is the only thing missing from a glittering career. Another strong domestic season will help Hadley right that wrong.

The verdict: The Swifts' bench in recent seasons was unparalleled. That depth led to two premierships over the past three seasons. Losing Garbin, Haythornthwaite and Moore is a huge blow given the young nature of their replacements. The side's starting seven is still elite but any injuries will throw a spanner in the works.

Our tip: 3rd.

2021 finish: 5^th.

Squad: Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Gretel Bueta, Lara Dunkley, Kim Jenner, Jemma Mi Mi, Kim Ravaillion, Gabi Simpson, Mia Stower, Eboni Usoro-Brown, Donnell Wallam.

Gains: Ruby Bakewell-Doran (TP), Mia Stower (TP), Eboni Usoro-Brown (UK), Donnell Wallam (TP).

Losses: Romelda Aiken-George (pregnant), Tippah Dwan (Thunderbirds), Rudi Ellis (Fever), Tara Hinchliffe (Lightning).

Coach: Megan Anderson.

It's a big year for: Gretel Bueta. One of the best stories in Australian netball, Bueta returned to the court in 2021 with baby Bobby in tow and went on to win tournament MVP in January's Quad Series with the Diamonds. She'll have plenty of work to do in this team in 2022.

The verdict: The pre-season announcement of Romelda Aiken-George's pregnancy was wonderful news for her. Not so much for the Firebirds, though. There's quality experience in Bueta, Gabi Simpson and Kim Ravaillion but 2022 shapes as a rebuilding year for Queensland.

Our tip: 8^th.

2021 finish: 4^th

Squad: Reilley Batcheldor, Mahalia Cassidy, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Maddie Hinchliffe, Tara Hinchliffe, Cara Koenen, Annie Miller, Laura Scherian, Kate Shimmin, Steph Wood.

Gains: Reilley Batcheldor (Firebirds), Kadie-Ann Dehaney (Vixens), Maddie Hinchliffe (TP), Tara Hinchliffe (Firebirds), Annie Miller (Giants TP).

Losses: Binnian Hunt (NZ), Phumza Maweni (UK), Maddie McAuliffe (retired), Karla Pretorius (pregnant), Peace Proscovia (UK).

Coach: Kylee Byrne.

It's a big year for: Steph Wood. Now the Diamonds vice-captain, Wood's leadership and super shot prowess will be crucial to a team dealing with a lot of player turnover for the second successive year. Her combination with Cara Koenen in the goal circle is one to watch.

The verdict: Sunshine Coast has made every finals series since its inaugural year in 2017. We had them there again initially before the late breaking news of Karla Pretorius's pregnancy. She's one of the best defenders on the planet. It's just one loss too many to overcome.

Our tip: 5^th.

2021 finish: 3rd

Squad: Jess Anstiss, Sunday Aryang, Courtney Bruce, Verity Charles, Emma Cosh, Rudi Ellis, Jhaniele Fowler, Stacey Francis-Bayman, Sasha Glasgow, Alice Teague-Neeld.

Gains: Rudi Ellis (Firebirds).

Losses: Olivia Lewis (Vixens).

Coach: Dan Ryan.

It's a big year for: Dan Ryan. The highly-touted mentor returns Down Under after three years coaching in the UK. His previous two-year stint in Australia's top league yielded one win in two seasons at Adelaide. That team was rubbish. This one definitely isn't. So, how good of a coach is he?

The verdict: West Coast has been so close for a long time, finishing runners-up in 2020 and 2018, and third last year. Dealing with COVID bubbles and travel, and the fallout from a salary cap scandal, has been tough over the past two seasons. Loom as the Vixens' biggest threat.

Our tip: 2^nd.

ROUND 1

Saturday, March 26:

Thunderbirds v Magpies, 5pm

Swifts v Giants, 7pm

Sunday, March 27:

Firebirds v Vixens, 1pm

Fever v Lightning, 4pm

ROUND 2

Saturday, April 2:

Swifts v Vixens, 5pm

Lightning v Firebirds, 7pm

Sunday, April 3:

Magpies v Fever, 2pm

Thunderbirds v Giants, 4pm

ROUND 3

Saturday, April 9:

Vixens v Giants, 5pm

Swifts v Magpies, 7pm

Sunday, April 10:

Firebirds v Fever, 2pm

Thunderbirds v Lightning, 4pm

ROUND 4

Tuesday, April 12:

Vixens v Fever, 6pm

Giants v Firebirds, 8pm

Wednesday, April 13:

Magpies vs Lightning, 6pm

Thunderbirds v Swifts, 8pm

ROUND 5

Saturday, April 16:

Lightning v Vixens, 5pm

Giants v Magpies, 7pm

Sunday, April 17:

Fever v Swifts, 2pm

Firebirds v Thunderbirds, 4pm

ROUND 6

Saturday, April 23:

Swifts v Lightning, 5pm

Vixens v Thunderbirds, 7pm

Sunday, April 24:

Firebirds v Magpies, 2pm

Giants v Fever, 4pm

ROUND 7

Saturday, April 30:

Firebirds v Swifts, 5pm

Thunderbirds v Fever, 7pm

Sunday, May 1:

Lightning v Giants, 2pm

Vixens v Magpies, 4pm

ROUND 8

Saturday, May 7:

Vixens v Firebirds, 5pm

Lightning v Thunderbirds, 7pm

Sunday, May 8:

Fever v Magpies, 2pm

Giants v Swifts, 4pm

ROUND 9

Saturday, May 14:

Lightning v Fever, 5pm

Giants v Vixens, 7pm

Sunday, May 15:

Magpies v Firebirds, 2pm

Swifts v Thunderbirds, 4pm

ROUND 10

Tuesday, May 17:

Lightning v Swifts, 6pm

Fever v Vixens, 8pm

Wednesday, May 18:

Magpies v Giants, 6pm

Thunderbirds v Firebirds, 8pm

ROUND 11

Saturday, May 21:

Firebirds v Lightning, 5pm

Vixens v Swifts, 7pm

Sunday, May 22:

Fever v Giants, 2pm

Magpies v Thunderbirds, 4pm

ROUND 12

Saturday, May 28:

Magpies v Swifts, 6pm

Fever v Firebirds, 8pm

Sunday, May 29:

Vixens v Lightning, 2pm

Giants v Thunderbirds, 4pm

ROUND 13

Saturday, June 4:

Firebirds v Giants, 5pm

Thunderbirds v Vixens, 7pm

Sunday, May 5:

Swifts v Fever, 2pm

Lightning v Magpies, 4pm

ROUND 14

Saturday, June 11:

Giants v Lightning, 7pm

Sunday, June 12:

Fever v Thunderbirds, 2pm

Swifts v Firebirds, 4pm

Monday, June 13:

Magpies v Vixens, 1pm

SUPER NETBALL

2021: NSW Swifts

2020: Melbourne Vixens

2019: NSW Swifts

2018: Sunshine Coast Lightning

2017: Sunshine Coast Lightning

TRANS-TASMAN CHAMPIONSHIP

2016: Queensland Firebirds

2015: Queensland Firebirds

2014: Melbourne Vixens

2013: Adelaide Thunderbirds

2012: Waikato BOP Magic (NZ)

2011: Queensland Firebirds

2010: Adelaide Thunderbirds

2009: Melbourne Vixens

2008: NSW Swifts

AUSTRALIAN LEAGUE

2007: Sydney Swifts

2006: Sydney Swifts

2005: Melbourne Phoenix

2004: Sydney Swifts

2003: Melbourne Phoenix

2002: Melbourne Phoenix

2001: Sydney Swifts

2000: Melbourne Phoenix

1999: Adelaide Thunderbirds

1998: Adelaide Thunderbirds

1997: Melbourne Phoenix