Jo Harten’s Farewell Fuels Giants to Memorable Super Netball Victory
Jo Harten farewell win became the emotional centerpiece of Round 14 as Giants Netball delivered a commanding 74–59 victory over the Melbourne Mavericks in Sydney. The match served as a powerful send-off for the retiring English legend, who announced this week she was ending her 20-year professional career.
Harten, one of the club’s original stars, closed her journey with an inspiring performance. She scored 33 points, including seven long-range goals, and finished her final game with a buzzer-beating shot as her last touch.
Giants Rise After Slow Start as Emotions Spill Courtside
Before the whistle, coach Julie Fitzgerald was already in tears, visibly moved by the significance of the match. “Watching her grow into the person she’s become is probably more important to me than the netball,” she said. “She might take her bib off but she’ll still have a big impact on netball in the world.”
Missing young talent Erin O’Brien at the start, the Giants initially stumbled. But O’Brien, who rejoined with a strapped shoulder, helped lift the team’s tempo. Her five gains proved crucial, spotlighting her potential for a Diamonds national squad call-up.
With both teams tightening their defensive grip and making attacking errors, turnovers punctuated the second quarter. Mavericks’ Molly Jovic worked tirelessly, notching 42 feeds as the game stayed neck-and-neck at halftime.
Blistering Second Half Secures Giants Win as Harten Shines
Speaking at the break, Jamie-Lee Price summed up the tension: “We’re getting plenty of ball, but we’re just not scoring off it. It’s so simple—just score goals.”
The Giants shifted gears after halftime, with a dominant showing that overwhelmed the Mavericks. Despite many Mavericks playing for future contracts, Sydney’s superior execution sealed the result.
Eight Mavericks spots remain unfilled for 2026. Speculation swirls that Price may be Melbourne-bound to join her AFL partner, adding more intrigue to the club’s offseason plans.

Harten Retires as a Netball Great, Mavericks Face Rebuild
Harten bows out as one of netball’s most decorated players—202 National League matches and 117 international caps with England, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold over Australia. A known leader and tactical force, she’s expected to continue influencing netball from the coaching bench.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are facing uncertainty. Only Amy Parmenter and Kim Brown are locked in for 2026, with coach Tracey Neville’s future uncertain. Injuries derailed their campaign, and they’ll need a stronger lineup and better fitness to rise next season.
Thunderbirds Triumph in Final Clash to Keep Title Dreams Alive
In another do-or-die fixture, the Adelaide Thunderbirds edged the Sunshine Coast Lightning 59–55 to book a place in the Super Netball finals. MVP Matilda Garrett stood tall in defense, swinging momentum with key intercepts before halftime.
With a seven-point lead by the main break, the Thunderbirds never looked back. Though Lightning’s Sophie Fretwell missed her mark, teammates Koenen and Batcheldor tried to bridge the gap—but the damage was done.

The Thunderbirds now eye a record third title. Only once before has a team won the league from fourth, and never from third, meaning history is within reach.
Aiken-George and Ervin Lead Late-Season Heroics
With Courtney Bruce out again due to injury, Ash Ervin stepped up for the Thunderbirds, silencing Lightning’s attack and boosting her chances for Diamonds selection. Veteran Romelda Aiken-George dominated the scoreboard with 43 goals, her physicality putting constant pressure on defenders.
As Aiken-George stormed through barriers, the Thunderbirds showed they have the grit and talent to challenge for back-to-back titles. They’ll await updates on Lauren Frew’s fitness after her late-game injury scare.
National Team Watch: New Stars Eye Diamonds Squad
All eyes now turn to the Australian Diamonds squad announcement. With Bruce sidelined, selectors may opt for rising talent like Ervin, especially after her commanding recent performances. The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games squad may look very different if injuries persist.