The Super Netball season has been embroiled in controversy since players hit Netball Australia over their decision to sell out this year’s grand final to Perth.
Netball Australia has announced that a decisive game will be played at the RAC Arena in Perth this season due to a partnership with the WA government regardless of which team qualifies.
However, the Players’ Association was not less impressed by the “crushing” decision, suggesting that it had been blinded by the call.
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The Australian Netball Players Association said in a statement on Thursday evening: “Players are devastated – both by the decision and by the way it has been handled.
“It was very disappointing to hear of such a big decision after the fact, and the process was not consulted again. However, the status of the decision and the intentional confusion by Netball Australia was even more painful. The nature of their engagement with us.”
The statement also called for cultural change in netball Australia.
“Either manners need to change, or people need to change,” it said.
“We want to work with a netball Australia that understands that if they want to enhance the game, and they want players to be a valuable partner in that initiative, they need to change the way they engage with us.
“What Netball Australia doesn’t seem to understand is that one of the best things about playing netball is that the game attracts and develops strong, smart, independent thinking women. There is and will be treated with respect and trust. “
In a separate statement, the current ladder-leader of the Super Netball, Melbourne Vixens, said they were “disappointed” to lose the chance to play in a potential Home Grand Final.
The Vixens currently have two wins from their nearest rivals with just two rounds to go.
Due to the decision to move the grand finale to Perth, the season final date has been pushed back one week to Sunday, July 3, with the aim of maximizing attendance and “home viewing”.
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