By Sophie Taylor
All eighty SSN contracts have been finalised this week ahead of a blockbuster season in 2026.
And while clubs could only sign players to one-year contracts, it’s safe to say there were many more changes than expected during a blockbuster three-week block of signings.
With that, we run you through the talking points from the 2026 SSN signing period.
NEW FACES INCOMING
Ten players are set to make their SSN debuts in 2026, with a couple of debut full-time contracts expanding the league’s newcomer list to 15 players.
Among the extended newcomers list are three former 11th players and three former training partners getting well-earned official contracts.
Factor in the 2026 return of Donnell Wallam (formerly Firebirds) and Gabby Sinclair (formerly Collingwood and Mavericks) who both return to SSN after playing in New Zealand and England in 2025, and that takes the tally of new players in 2026 up to 17 – almost two teams worth of new contracts.
11TH PLAYERS GET THE CALL-UP
While some were critical of the 11th player “rookie” role introduced in the lead-up to the 2024 season, it’s safe to say the plan has worked: three 11th players have been elevated for season 2026.
Grace Whyte (Swifts), Jessie Grenvold (Mavericks) and Sophie Casey (Thunderbirds) all played key roles each time they took the court in 2025, proving they were more than capable of taking on the best of the best on any occasion.
The trio have ultimately been rewarded for their consistency and smarts, getting the official call-up for 2026 with each of their respective 2025 clubs.
Talk about impressing your coach.
Jessie Grenvold has earned a full-time contract after being the Mavs' 11th player this year.SURPRISE PACKETS
With so many player movements, there were bound to be a few surprises.
Did anyone expect Sasha Glasgow to return to WA?
A huge call, but a smart one nonetheless.
She won a Grand Final MVP award with the club in 2022 and will hope to return to her career-best form with the club.
Glasgow is one of the six players who departed the Mavs in a mass exodus alongside outgoing coach Tracey Neville.
She and Tayla Fraser (Swifts) are the only two who will play SSN in 2026 while Eleanor Cardwell returns to the UK.
Th remaining three are set to explore opportunities outside netball.
New GIANT Adamson is another big callup, with the former Collingwood Magpies training partner earning a long-awaited contract.
The midcourter missed much of 2024 with a knee injury but was named Victorian Netball League MVP this year after an outstanding season with Boroondara Express.
Meanwhile, sharpshooter Sophie Fawns has departed the competition for England's Netball Super League (NSL).
THE DEPARTURES
Retirement announcements from Jo Harten, Steph Fretwell, Romelda Aiken-George and Hannah Petty left some pretty big holes in the competition.
And while the retirement of Aiken-George left a hole for Lucy Austin to take the starting role, she has officially jumped ship to a completely new-look GIANTS squad, immediately filling out Harten’s position.
The Thunderbirds’ midcourt was already very versatile, so the departure of Petty ultimately locked in a role for young gun Casey.
Aiken-George and Austin’s departure has enabled the TBirds to hunt outside Australia, eventually signing South African star Elmeré van der Berg.
Fretwell’s departure came as a shock to many, with her departure – alongside that of young star Reilley Batcheldor to Mavericks – marking a chance for Donnell Wallam to return to SSN.
Elsewhere, Mavs duo Liv Lewis and Maisie Nankivell depart the competition but have hinted at possible non-netball sporting opportunities on the horizon. Watch this space.
Steph Fretwell's shock retirement opened space in Lightning's new-look attack.HERE COME THE KIWIS
Netball New Zealand recently loosened criteria on Silver Ferns eligibility to play overseas , which means one thing: the Kiwis are BACK.
Some of the greatest SSN players of all time have hailed from New Zealand – cough, cough, Laura Langman – so if you’re a netball fan, you’re surely as overjoyed at the news as we are.
Not one, not two, but no less than seven (!) New Zealanders will be playing SSN next year, scattered across four clubs.
Predominantly midcourters, keep an eye out for their distinct zone-style play and superb defensive abilities.
