Star shooter puts Fever in box seat for netball crown

Justin Chadwick | July 16, 2025

West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan has declared season 2025 as Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard’s finest yet as the star goal shooter gears up for Sunday’s major semi-final against the NSW Swifts in Perth.

Fowler-Nembhard was initially set to miss the entire campaign due to pregnancy, but she suffered the heartbreak of a miscarriage in January.

The Fever were at the bottom of the table with a 0-2 record when Fowler-Nembhard made her playing return in round three following a mini training block.

Any doubts about the 198cm shooter’s fitness or form quickly disappeared as the star Jamaican inspired the team to a Super Netball record 12-match winning run.

The Fever (12-2) finished on top of the table thanks largely to Fowler-Nembhard, who scored a league-high 724 goals despite missing the opening two rounds.

Swifts star Grace Nweke finished second on the charts with 718 goals, the showdown between the league’s two best shooters will be a major feature of Sunday’s semi-final at RAC Arena.

Fowler-Nembhard has already won the competition’s MVP award on five occasions, with possibly a sixth to come this year.

The 35-year-old has led the league for scoring in every season since 2018.

But in the eyes of Ryan, this season has been the best of the lot.

“I think it’s been the best season she’s had,” Ryan said.

“The adaptability she’s shown in her game and some key growth areas she’s added into her tool kit this year (have been crucial).

“She’s moving better than she’s ever moved. Her skills are looking good. Hopefully there’s much more to come.”

When asked about her secret to success this season, Fowler-Nembhard simply reeled off the names of every one of her teammates.

“That’s my secret. I have them,” Fowler said.

The Swifts were the benchmark team in the first half of the season after going 8-0, but are limping into the finals on the back of four losses from their past six games.

They only just scraped past wooden spooners Queensland Firebirds last week, needing overtime to defeat the two-win strugglers 79-75.

The Swifts announced last week defender Teigan O’Shannassy will miss the entire finals series with a back injury, but it’s hoped co-captain Paige Hadley (foot) will return against the Fever.

The winner of Sunday’s major semi-final will advance straight through to the August 2 grand final in Melbourne, while the loser will be relegated to the preliminary final.

Sunday’s minor semi-final will feature two-time defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds hosting last season’s beaten grand finalists Melbourne Vixens.

The loser of that match will be eliminated, with the winner to take on either the Fever or Swifts in an away preliminary final.