Three-year deal: Two Silver Ferns shooters sign new Super Netball deals
The New Zealand Herald · Nathan Limm · 2026-08-26T22:50:06+00:00 · nguồn gốc
“I have well and truly fallen in love with Sydney over the past two years of living here. I can’t wait to be part of this new and exciting club and tell our own story and do things differently with the Sirens.
“So, cannot wait to get stuck in and work with all the new amazing staff and team as well as build on the success and stories of the Giants over the past 10 years. So, really excited about all of this and go Sirens!”
Walmsley joins a highly successful franchise in the Vixens, who have made the last three consecutive Super Netball grand finals. Melbourne lost last year’s grand final to Kate Heffernan’s Adelaide Thunderbirds, but won a title last year and were runners-up in 2024.
The former Stars shooter will likely partner Australia Diamonds goal attack Kiera Austin in the circle, with Austin set to battle the Silver Ferns in October’s Constellation Cup.
Walmsley said she was excited to take the next step in her career with the Vixens and embrace the challenge of competing in Australia’s elite netball competition.
“I’m so grateful for this incredible opportunity. I know I’m going to be challenged in ways I’ve never been challenged before, and I’m really looking forward to embracing that,” Walmsley said.
“To compete in the best league and immerse myself in an environment with such a strong history of success is so exciting. I can’t wait to learn from and be surrounded by such amazing players and coaching staff. I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can contribute to the Vixens and, ultimately, what we can achieve together!”
Vixens Head Coach Di Honey said Walmsley’s presence, versatility and international experience will be a valuable addition to the squad.
“Amelia is an exciting young talent who has already shown she can perform on the international stage,” Honey said.
“She brings presence, athleticism and a strong willingness to learn, and we believe she will be a great fit for our programme. We’re looking forward to welcoming her into the Vixens environment and supporting her continued development.”
Meanwhile, Ferns midcourter Kimiora Poi has joined Kelly Jackson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit at the Queensland Firebirds. Georgia Heffernan and Karin Burger are heading to the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Maddy Gordon and former New Zealand skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio are joining the West Coast Fever.
Kiwi players are also flocking to the UK’s Netball Super League. Southern Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn and Northern Mystics defender Charlotte Manley have signed with the Leeds Rhinos for next year. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic shooter Saviour Tui and Mainland Tactix midcourter Holly Mather have signed with the Welsh Dragons. Steel defender Jess Milne will join former Silver Fern Tiana Metuarau, who has re-signed at the Birmingham Panthers.
There is no confirmed future for the ANZ Premiership. Netball New Zealand has been issued a proposal by Auckland FC investors Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams for a privatised competition in 2028, with a different professional league for next year to bridge the gap.
Netball New Zealand maintains it has multiple options available for next year, but the Players Association says the only other plans it knows about were for an amateur competition.
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.