Import-ant growth in Super Netball

A 50-50 split between Australians and import players in the Super Netball team of the year is further evidence of netball’s ability to go up against the powerhouse sports.

The competition is two years into its revamped format that only features clubs from Australia but with no restrictions on the number of overseas players and it has created an scintillating league that has lifted the standard of world netball.

That was seen this year when England won Commonwealth Games gold over Australia and New Zealand did not even claim a medal.

Five import players, four in the starting side, are part of the 10-player team of the year squad announced today.

Giants captain Kim Green, who was named reserve midcourt player in the side, thinks it’s exactly what the sport needs.

“Around 2008 you probably would have had one (import) max (in a team like this),” Green said.

“Diamonds will always run through my blood and I’ll always be backing them, but for the game in itself, I’m always looking at how we can keep creating some really cool things happening in netball.”

Gold Coast product Gretel Tippett, who plays for Queensland Firebirds, was named goal attack in the team of the year.