West Coast Fever Coach Dan Ryan Unveils Insights from Grand Final Defeat Ahead of 2026 Super Netball Season
West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan has opened up about the team's off-season reflections, emphasizing lessons learned from what he terms "the downside of dominance" following a heartbreaking grand final loss. As the Fever prepare to launch their 2026 Super Netball campaign against Sunshine Coast Lightning at RAC Arena this Sunday, Ryan highlighted the need for improved composure in high-pressure situations.
Revamped Lineup and Key Absences for Season Opener
The Fever will take the court with a significantly altered roster, missing half of the players from last year's grand final team that fell by a single goal to arch-rivals Melbourne Vixens. Notable absences include:
- Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, the six-time league player of the year, who is currently pregnant.
- Olivia Wilkinson (ankle injury), Zoe Cransberg (foot injury), Ruth Aryang (Achilles injury), and Sunday Aryang (knee injury), all sidelined.
- Shanice Beckford, who was not offered a new contract.
In a boost for the team, grand final MVP Sasha Glasgow returns after two seasons with the Melbourne Mavericks. Only five players from the devastating grand final defeat remain, underscoring the team's transformation after a league-record 13-game winning streak.
Focus on Composure and Tight Game Scenarios
Ryan explained that the pre-season has been dedicated to enhancing the team's ability to handle close contests, a weakness exposed in the grand final. "We probably experienced the downside of dominance through the home-and-away season," he told The West Australian. "During our 13-game winning streak, only one match was a close game decided in the final minutes. Every other game, we controlled play on our terms."
He added, "In the grand final, we faced an opposition hardened by numerous tight, goal-for-goal battles throughout the season, which gave them the edge. Our pre-season has focused on making us more comfortable in those tough situations, where staying composed is crucial."
Opponent Analysis: Sunshine Coast Lightning's New Threat
The Lightning will travel west without goaler Gabby Sinclair due to a minor calf issue, but they will debut former Fever training partner Donnell Wallam as their new shooter. Ryan, who coached Wallam at the Leeds Rhinos, is well aware of her potential impact. "We need to treat Donnell like any other post-up shooter and execute our defensive strategies both out front and inside the circle," he said.
Ryan emphasized, "We know her game well, including her strengths and how dangerous she can be. We have a gameplan in place to nullify some of her potency." This matchup adds an extra layer of intrigue to the season opener, as both teams look to set the tone for 2026.
As the Fever aim to bounce back from last year's disappointment, Ryan's insights and the team's renewed focus on resilience could prove pivotal in their quest for Super Netball glory.
