The sliding door moment for 'awestruck' Diamonds bolter
Despite signing her first full-time Super Netball contract this year, there was no guarantee Jessie Grenvold would get a lot of court time. But through injury, the Mavericks defender took on a starting spot and has now forced her way into the Australian Diamonds squad.
Jessie Grenvold was in disbelief after earning an Aussie Diamonds call-up. (Getty: James Worsfold)
With two rounds left of the regular season, there are still eight teams in the running for the Super Netball premiership. Even if the chances for two of them are quite slim.
Round 12 continued the First Nations celebrations of National Reconciliation Week. Beginning on the Sunshine Coast, the Lightning kept their campaign alive with a whopping 20-goal victory, 74-54. This also sealed the Giants' fate as wooden spooners.
The Melbourne Mavericks proved they've got what it takes to be serious contenders by securing a 60-57 win over the West Coast Fever. It was the first time they'd beaten them since joining the competition in 2024 and they did it in front of a record home and away crowd for the league.
The 13,847 sell-out at Perth Arena supersedes the attendance at the NSW Swifts and Giants double header in round two at Sydney SuperDome by an extra 447 people.
Speaking of the Swifts, their players dug deep in response to the news that longstanding coach Briony Akle will need to reapply for her job. Up by 17 in the second quarter, they held off a late challenge by the Queensland Firebirds at Ken Rosewall Arena, 68-62.
Lastly, the top two clash between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens was tipped to be an absolute ripper but ended up being an absolute flop. Won by the Thunderbirds on their home turf, 61-42, it could very well determine the minor premiership.
Donnell Wallam is the leading Australian goalscorer in Super Netball with a 555 total. (Getty: Albert Perez)
Off the court, Diamonds selection is a hot topic after Netball Australia named the 18 players in the national squad for 2026/27.
Goal shooter and proud Noongar woman Donnell Wallam has returned to the fold after being demoted to invitee status last year, while defender Jessie Grenvold is a bolter that has earned a call-up in her first year on a full-time contract.
If you missed it, don't worry — we'll get you up to speed with our Super Netball round-up.
2026 has been a sliding doors moment for the Mavericks defenders.
After leaving Queensland for a colder climate, Tara Hinchliffe had been playing so well. She took Liv Lewis's spot after the goal keeper made a cross-code switch to AFLW and was relishing the opportunity to reunite with former teammate Kim Brown.
Then in round three, disaster struck. Hinchliffe was hit with her third ACL injury.
Jessie Grenvold warms up for the Melbourne Mavericks. (AAP: Joel Carrett)
Before scans confirmed Hinchliffe would be out for the seas
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