Netball SA is pleased to announce the results of the 2026-2028 accreditation process for The Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League competition.
The process was underpinned by a strategic focus on ensuring the competition remained the pinnacle for netball in South Australia.
All eight clubs currently participating in the Premier League, along with prospective clubs, applied for accreditation to partake in the competition for the next three years.
An assessment panel was formed, comprising of Netball SA Board member Chris Wood, Netball SA’s General Manager of Netball Steve Kavanagh, and Netball SA’s Pathways and Competitions Manager Heidi Sandison.
The panel was also supported by Netball Australia’s Head of Participation Nikki Horton who provided input on structure and composition.
Applications were assessed on a range of criteria, including current competitiveness and strategic vision to increase competitiveness in the future.
The term ‘competitive’ was determined by each club’s ability to challenge to play finals and defeat sides in the top four on the ladder across the last accreditation cycle.
As a result, the competition format for 2026-2028 will comprise of an eight-team Premier League and nine-team Reserves competition.
Metro Jets Netball Club will not participate in the League competition but have been offered a license in the Reserves division.
Netball SA has communicated with Metro Jets that it will work with the club on rebuilding, with the intent to return to the League division in the future.
In addition, Walkerville Netball Club will enter the Premier League for the first time, following a promising accreditation application.
Established in 2010, the club now consists of 18 senior and 17 junior sides and won the 2024 Netball SA Club Excellence award for their success across a range of grades.
Their Adelaide Metropolitan Netball Division (AMND) League side were crowned champions of the division in 2023 and 2024 and are currently undefeated in the 2025 season.
Following the conclusion of the accreditation process, Netball SA has committed to investigating a formalised promotion/relegation system.
“The Premier League is South Australia’s pinnacle netball competition with the state’s most talented athletes,” Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said.
“Therefore, Netball SA has a responsibility to ensure the strength and longevity of the competition by continuing to undertake these reviews.
“The panel were thorough in their assessment of all applications and while we acknowledge the impact this will have the competitive nature of the Premier League is paramount.
“We will continue to work closely with Metro Jets and all clubs who have struggled to maintain competitive results as we collectively focus on strengthening the competition.
“I would also like to welcome Walkerville to the competition and wish them the best of luck as they join the ranks amongst South Australia’s best.
“We’re also excited to welcome Norwood Netball Club, formerly Newton Jaguars Netball Club, as they enter the Premier League in their new colours.”
