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Super Netball 2025: West Coast Fever shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard says she’s ready to step up in finals

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard takes a selfie with fans after Sunday’s win.
Camera IconJhaniele Fowler-Nembhard takes a selfie with fans after Sunday’s win. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

She’s the undisputed queen of Super Netball, and now, West Coast superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has fired out a warning to those standing in the way of a premiership: She’s ready to step up in finals.

Fowler-Nembhard has defied the personal tragedy of losing her unborn baby at the start of this year to inspire Fever to record 12 consecutive victories and on the brink of a historic second premiership.

The minor premiers will look to book their spot in a fourth grand final in eight seasons when they host the NSW Swifts at RAC Arena on Sunday.

And Fowler-Nembhard looms as the biggest weapon in their stacked arsenal having scored a league-high 724 goals and in contention for an unprecedented sixth league most valuable player award despite missing the first two games of the season.

In a concerning sign for the other three teams still left in contention, the 35-year-old declared she was fresh and ready to take her game to another level in the finals.

“I have to find another gear. Every week I get out there, I have some amazing defenders that I’m coming up against,” Fowler-Nembhard said.

The Game AFL 2025

“I feel really good, I feel really fresh. I try to make sure the body is ticking over as it should during the week before I get to the weekend.

“I am looking forward to it (finals). It’s going to be exciting. I love the fact we’re playing here firstly; I am going to have to step into that moment and embrace it. And be as competitive as I can.”

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard in action against the Vixens.
Camera IconJhaniele Fowler-Nembhard in action against the Vixens. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Renowned as the ultimate competitor, Fowler-Nembhard has seemingly found a lot of joy in this season, often being seen smiling on court.

And her happiness is reflected in her form, with the Jamaican averaging 60 goals from her 12 game

“I just love playing netball, so if it’s showing that I am enjoying it, I definitely am,” Fowler-Nembhard said.

“All my teammates are a good bunch of girls, and I’m blessed to be amongst such amazing athletes and amazing individuals.

“It means a lot to me. I love winning with this club in general and having got that record with them is just a really good thing.”

While Fowler-Nembhard is the most dangerous player in Fever’s goalcircle, the form of countrywoman Shanice Beckford has added another dimension.

The goal attack has hit her straps in the back half of the season and it’s forcing teams to abandon the double-team of Fowler-Nembhard which is not going unrecognised by coach Dan Ryan.

“Shanice is playing her role beautifully for us,” he said.

“She’s opening up games and she played a couple of 60-minute ones where she’s been locked in for the entirety.

“She’s a real weapon, there is no one else in the league that plays goal attack like her and I love seeing her grow game upon game.”

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