Two-time premiership winner Verity Simmons has made a remarkable comeback to Super Netball for the 2026 season, officially returning to the West Coast Fever. The news comes amid a spate of injuries that have left the Fever scrambling for experienced players to fill gaps in their lineup.

The 34-year-old veteran had retired from professional netball in 2023 to explore a career in AFLW, leaving a notable void in the Fever’s roster. However, Simmons’ expertise and proven track record have made her the natural choice as a temporary replacement for Zoe Cransberg, who is sidelined with a foot injury that will keep her out for at least the next eight weeks.

Cransberg herself had already stepped into the Fever squad as an injury replacement for Diamond Sunday Aryang, meaning the team has been forced to make another mid-season adjustment. With Simmons’ return, the Fever gain a player familiar with their systems, culture, and expectations, as she spent a decade with the club, highlighted by the 2022 premiership victory.

“Everyone knows that Verity Simmons is an amazing athlete, Fever premiership player and an absolute professional,” Fever netball boss Sara Francis-Bayman said.

“We are really confident she can re-enter our environment, begin her preparations and have a positive impact on the group. Bringing her in immediately was a key part of our decision-making process as it will allow her to take part in our full pre-season campaign. There is a strong likelihood she will pull on her beloved green dress again.”

Simmons’ return to Super Netball is not without precedent. Last year, she acted as maternity cover for Maddy Proud at the NSW Swifts, marking her second consecutive season returning to top-level netball as a replacement player. Her ability to seamlessly integrate into teams mid-season underscores her professionalism and adaptability, qualities that Fever management hope will pay immediate dividends on the court.

For the Fever, Simmons’ arrival could not have come at a more critical time. Cransberg has been ruled out of pre-season matches in Melbourne, Ballarat, Kalgoorlie, and at the Perth High Performance Centre. While the club remains optimistic she will feature in early rounds of the season, her absence has left a gap in both leadership and on-court dynamics. Simmons’ presence aims to stabilise the squad while providing veteran guidance to younger players.

The Fever’s roster has already seen significant movement heading into the 2026 campaign. Simmons is the third player brought into the contracted squad under replacement arrangements. Romelda Aiken-George joined the team as maternity cover for Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, while Caitlyn Brown has been filling in for Ruth Aryang as she recovers from an Achilles injury. Together, these signings reflect a proactive approach from the Fever to mitigate the challenges posed by injuries and absences.

For fans of the West Coast Fever, Simmons’ return is a welcome boost. Her decade-long tenure with the club is marked by consistency, leadership, and elite performance. She is known not just for her skill, but for the professional ethos she brings to training and match preparation—an asset for a team seeking momentum at the start of the season.

Beyond her immediate impact, Simmons’ return could also inspire younger players within the squad. Integrating an experienced premiership winner back into the team environment offers mentorship opportunities and strengthens the culture of resilience and professionalism that the Fever have sought to cultivate.

The timing of her return is particularly significant as the Fever look to build cohesion during pre-season. With full participation in training and warm-up matches, Simmons has the chance to acclimatise quickly to the team’s strategies, ensuring she is ready for competitive action when the season begins.

This development also highlights the ongoing importance of replacement players in Super Netball. Injuries and maternity absences are commonplace, and experienced athletes like Simmons offer clubs a reliable option to bridge these periods. Her ability to step in, adapt, and perform immediately exemplifies the role that seasoned professionals play in maintaining squad stability.

For Simmons personally, this return represents a full-circle moment. After stepping away from netball to explore other sporting avenues, she is now back at the club where she achieved some of her most significant successes. The chance to don the green dress once more, and contribute to another premiership campaign, is both a professional challenge and a personal milestone.

While Cransberg’s injury is unfortunate, the Fever’s proactive response underscores their commitment to competitiveness and team depth. Simmons’ integration into the squad will be closely watched by fans, commentators, and opponents alike, as she brings both experience and proven talent back to the elite netball stage.

With the 2026 season on the horizon, the West Coast Fever now have a veteran reinforcer in their ranks, ready to bolster the team as they navigate the challenges of injuries and squad rotations. Verity Simmons’ return is a significant storyline in Australian netball, blending the excitement of a fan-favourite comeback with the practical necessity of filling key positions during a critical pre-season period.