Melbourne Vixens goal shooter Sophie Garbin experienced a powerful sense of déjà vu recently as she awaited a crucial call from Australian Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich regarding squad selection for the approaching Commonwealth Games.

The anticipation mirrored a moment from four years prior, a memory that brought a tinge of sadness. “It was funny because four years ago I was waiting for the same phone call, quite nervous, and it was a pretty sad one because I got cut,” Garbin recounted. “So to get the phone call and be on the different side of it this time was really nice.”

This personal reflection comes as the elite netball season builds towards its climax, with semi-final fixtures in the Super Netball competition for 2026 set to feature intense matchups. The upcoming games will see the Adelaide Thunderbirds face off against the Melbourne Vixens, while the West Coast Fever will compete against the Melbourne Mavericks, determining which teams advance to the grand final.

The pressure of national selection and the demands of the domestic league highlight the dedication and resilience of these elite athletes as they strive for both individual and team success on the international and domestic stages.