[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]N[/mkdf_dropcaps]
etball Australia has announced four clubs have relocated to Melbourne ahead of round nine of the Suncorp Super Netball League.

As part of the decision, Sunshine Coast Lightning, NSW Swifts, GIANTS Netball, and the Queensland Firebirds will spend at least the next two weeks in Victoria.

The league said the upcoming match between Adelaide Thunderbirds and Collingwood Magpies will still proceed as planned at Netball SA Stadium, with Netball Australia working to acquire exemptions for the Magpies to enter South Australia.

The league also said they are in close discussions with the West Coast Fever and government officials to determine the best approach for round nine and round 10.

Sunshine Coast Lightning CEO, Danielle Smith, said the move was “difficult” but “vital” to safeguard the continuation of the 2021 season.

“Over the past 12 months we have welcomed opposition teams with open arms to the Sunshine Coast,” Smith said.

“Throughout all of this, we have been eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by each team, each club member and netball fan.

“Now it is our turn to go above and beyond for the sport we love so much, to ensure the safe delivery of Suncorp Super Netball.

“These decisions are not made lightly.

“As a club, we trust in the extensive work behind the scenes and contingency planning from Netball Australia that has informed these choices,” she said.