Super Netball 2026: Jhaniele Fowler-Nembard nominated for top WA sports award on back of remarkable season

West Coast Fever superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard says last Super Netball season was one of the best of her illustrious career as she cemented herself as the most dominant netballer to ever grace an Australian court. And while she will sit out Fever’s upcoming campaign because of pregnancy, Fowler-Nembhard has promised the club’s legion of fans that they haven’t seen the last of her in the green dress. Fowler-Nembhard is one of 12 finalists for the Sports West WA 2025 WA Sports Star Award, with the winner to be announced at the annual WA Sport Awards on February 26. The nomination is a just reward for a remarkable season for the Jamaican goalshooter, who was crowned the Super Netball Player of the Year for an unprecedented sixth time as she drove Fever to a fourth grand final. While her on court performances were outstanding, it was the personal heartache she overcame to dominate the domestic competition which form part of her incredible legacy. The 36-year-old lost a pregnancy just months out from the start of the season before making an inspirational comeback in round three. “I would say it is one of my best seasons, one that I am really proud of given all that I went through last year,” Fowler-Nembhard told The West Australian. “To still be able to perform by the grace of God of course. I look back and I am really grateful. “There was not a specific game (which was my best) but I would have to say getting out there each week and helping my team across the line was just good. Being able to have an impact and be there for my teammates when it was needed.” Fowler-Nembhard scored with 841 goals at 97 per cent accuracy at an average of 60 a game to be the competition’s leading goalscorer for an eighth season — a streak which is unlikely to ever be broken. Her dominance was instrumental in Fever’s league record run of 13-consecutive victories to the decider which they to arch-rivals Melbourne Vixens by a goal at Rod Laver Arena. Fowler-Nembhard won’t play this season as she awaits the birth of her second child, but has backed Fever to be able to compete in her absence as they search for a second premiership. “I’m very grateful to miss this season because of the reason I am missing it,” she said. “Looking on from the sidelines, I will just be there to support my teammates as much as I can. Just cheering them on and motivating them. It might not be business as usual but I’ll be as active as I possibly can. “We do have a very good line-up. We have a good shot. Once we stay committed, once we stay together we will be fine.” Fowler-Nembhard said countrywoman Romelda Aiken-George would step up in her absence, with the goalshooter coming out of retirement to sign as a temporary replacement player. “While we can always learn from each other, she’s going to be awesome,” she said. “I will just be there to support her and encourage her.” Fowler-Nembhard is out of contract at the end of this season but seven time Marinkovich medallist as Fever’s club champion says her career is far from over. “You haven’t seen the last me yet,” she said.”