Magpies rock Super Netball comp with bombshell withdrawal

Fans of the Collingwood Magpies have been left stunned after the club announced its withdrawal from the Super Netball competition at the end of the season. The Magpies announced the end of its Super Netball licence with four games left of the current campaign.

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said the club was devastated at the decision, but the program was not sustainable. But, in a thinly veiled swipe at Netball Australia, Kelly took aim at the lack of Player Collective Agreement (PCA) that doesn't guarantee players a contract beyond the current season. This leaves plenty of uncertainty for players heading into the World Cup later this year.

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“We acknowledge we could have run a better netball program at Collingwood. Throughout this process, we met with Netball Australia and SSN on multiple occasions to explore potential solutions," Kelly said in a statement.

"The challenges Netball Australia has experienced and continues to experience in terms of profitability combined with the current impasse in regard to finalising the TPA and CPA, played a key role in our decision-making.

“While the timing of an announcement like this is never ideal, or pleasant, it is important to provide our athletes, coaches and staff with clarity so they can plan for the future. We will support athletes and staff on their transition over the coming months."

Netball Australia responded to the announcement on Thursday and claimed it was already looking for an eighth team to join the competition so the tournament could continue as planned next year. “While we are disappointed by Collingwood’s decision, we thank them for their participation in the Suncorp Super Netball competition,” Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said.

“In recent times it had become clear that Collingwood’s priorities had shifted away from netball to focus on its core business of football. We are understanding of the impact Collingwood’s decision has on its current players and staff, and we will support them during this time."

Netball community reacts to Magpies announcement

The Magpies have never bettered their best finish, fourth, from the inaugural season. This is despite their strong-backing from the AFL club and a star-studded line-up for many years.

The team currently sit second-last on the ladder. Despite the lack of performance on the court, fans have still been left absolutely devastated at the news about their local club.

The Magpies thanked the community and the team for their run in the competition after the brutal announcement. “To our team, I want to thank each netballer and the wider program led by our brilliant Head Coach Nicole Richardson and outstanding Captains Geva Mentor and Ash Brazill for their contribution, loyalty and commitment to our Club," the statement continued.

“Each netballer who has come through the doors has made our Club better. The energy of our netballers, dedication to their craft and love of the game has been a key part of why this decision has been an incredibly difficult one to make.

The training standards of our netballers is elite and they have been great role models for everyone connected to Collingwood."

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