Netball teams recruit retired players to fill gaps

Retired netball players are increasingly being called back to professional play due to injury crises, a trend more prevalent in netball than other sports. This season, former Silver Ferns defender Casey Kopua, 39, was the latest to return, joining an Australian team after a six-year absence. Other notable comebacks include Temepara Bailey and Anna Harrison, highlighting the reliance on experienced players. With smaller squad sizes and shorter seasons, netball coaches often turn to retirees for experience, as seen with the Stars and Steel teams in the ANZ Premiership.