Full Story Why some netballers are turning their backs on the sport
Sep 21, 2025
Georgia Rajic, a knowledgeable commentator on Australian netball and football, delves into the challenges facing netballers today. Despite being the top women's sport in Australia, the limited opportunities in Super Netball are prompting players to explore options like AFLW. Georgia discusses the precarious nature of netball careers, citing low pay and tight schedules. She also highlights socioeconomic biases affecting diversity and proposes increasing reserves to retain talent, illuminating a pivotal moment in women’s sports.
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Elite Spots Are Extremely Limited
- Super Netball has only eight teams, creating just 80 full-time paid positions at the top level.
- With over one million Australians having played netball, the elite funnel is extremely narrow.
Plan For Low Pay And High Commitment
- Expect training partner pay to be very low and the commitment to be intense during pre-season and season.
- Plan to study, coach, or freelance to supplement income because holding a full-time job is often impractical.
AFLW's Clearer Pathway Lures Talent
- AFLW offers clearer pathways and higher minimum pay, making it more attractive to young athletes.
- Netball's minimum first-year pay and delayed rookie arrivals make career timing less certain for emerging players.