2026 Super Netball Season Opens with Key Wins

The 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season kicked off with a series of competitive matches across Australia, as the Melbourne Vixens successfully defended their title with a 60-49 victory over the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane on Sunday, while other teams staked early claims on the ladder.

In the opening round, the Adelaide Thunderbirds delivered a commanding 74-54 win against the NSW Swifts in Adelaide, the Melbourne Mavericks secured a 61-52 triumph over the GIANTS Netball in Bendigo, and the West Coast Fever edged out the Sunshine Coast Lightning 68-65 in Perth. These results positioned the Thunderbirds, Vixens, Mavericks, and Fever at the top of the standings with four points each after one round, based on percentage calculations.

The Vixens, under new head coach Di Honey following Simone McKinnis's departure after three premierships, maintained their composure against a revamped Firebirds side featuring three Silver Ferns imports: defender Kelly Jackson, midcourter Maddy Gordon, and goal shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit. The Firebirds, who have struggled with a 15-41 record since 2021 and enter their fourth coaching change in as many years under Kiri Wills, started strongly,...