Reports say Collingwood Magpies set to leave Super Netball competition

Following several seasons of poor performances and with finances impacted by the pandemic, the Collingwood Magpies are reported to be on the verge of exiting the Super Netball competition.

Media have reported that Magpies Chief Executive Craig Kelly addressed a meeting at Melbourne Park’s AIA Centre yesterday morning (16th May)advising players and staff that the club had officially placed its netball arm under review, with a decision on the future of the program expected in the coming weeks.

Backed by the Collingwood AFL club, the Magpies, who entered Super Netball in 2017, are on the bottom of the ladder and their crowds are understood to be the lowest in the competition.

The development comes as Netball Australia, which remains more than $4 million in debt, recovers from losses of recent financial years and the impact of the controversial loss of sponsorship from Hancock Prospecting last year.

As the present time, the Super Netball league has no players contracted for the 2024 season, with every player’s agreement set to expire at the end of the 2023 season.

This comes as a result of there being no valid Collective Player’s Agreement (CPA) from Netball Australia beyond September 2023 with the Australian Netball Players’ Association wanting pay rises for the players.

Commenting on the situation, Netball Australia Chief Executive, Kelly Ryan released a statement advising “Netball Australia has been notified by Collingwood that it is reviewing its Suncorp Super Netball team program.

“We’re working with Collingwood and all stakeholders in relation to this matter.”

Ryan added that Netball Australia is committed to an eight team Suncorp Super Netball competition in 2024.

Collingwood's attempts to diversify into other sports previously saw it back the Warriors Soccer Club in the former National Soccer League in the 1996/97.

The venture lasted a solitary season.

Image: The Magpies netball side, pictured here during the 2019 season, is in danger of collapse following seven seasons of poor performances. Credit: Shutterstock.