Bianca Chatfield,former Diamond,now a Fox Sports commentator:
Champion:West Coast Fever - Hard to spot a weakness in their line-up. If they stay injury free,they will have a crack at back-to-back titles.
Runner-up:NSW Swifts - Honestly,anyone could make the grand final,but I think Swifts have the experience to make 2023 count,and they quite enjoy premierships every second year (2019,2021 ...).
Talking point:All players being out of contract at season’s end will weigh on players mentally. It’s potentially chaotic for clubs and athletes.
Sharni Norder,former Diamond and dual Super Netball premiership player:
Champion:West Coast Fever - too strong for other teams and they showed that again at the Team Girls Cup. Not only this,they have bolstered their defence (as if Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang wasn’t strong enough) with next Australian defender,Kim Jenner. Will we see one,or all,of these three out at wing defence? The variety and versatility of Fever - with the addition of premiership confidence - will stump most,if not all,teams.
Runner-up:NSW Swifts - Sam Wallace is still rehabbing her ACL but the addition of Aiken-George as a replacement is as good as it comes. She provides the Swifts with height and versatility in goal attack. I see the Swifts being back at their best with the dogged Proud/Hadley&Klau/Turner combinations taking charge of their respective areas.
Talking point:Pathways for netball under threat. In recent years the pathways to Super Netball have weakened. The competition underneath,Australian Netball Championships,is a week-long tournament. Last year,it was held after the contract-signing period,so coaches missed the opportunity to pick up new young talent. More money and time needs to be spent on ANC being a full season,so the athletes can prepare in a professional environment. There must be more investment in development or future world cup golds may be under threat.
Catherine Cox,former Diamond and Fox Sports commentator:
Champion:West Coast Fever - no changes to line-up and running on confidence after last year’s win. Will continue to build throughout season.
Runner-up:Melbourne Vixens - will make the grand final again but Fever should control it.
Talking point:The Thunderbirds will be super-disruptive but maybe still not able to push through to the big time. Maybe finals. I’d like to think so given their line-up this year.