West Coast Fever are scrambling to find a new goalshooter after superstar Jamaican Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard revealed she is pregnant.
Fowler-Nembhard shared the happy baby news on Friday, confirming she will miss the entire 2025 Super Netball season.
The Fever have already begun the search for a new shooter, but concede the task has been made more difficult given most players are already under contract.
"The club began the recruitment process as soon as Jhaniele informed us and we are currently exploring all our options," Fever general manager Sue Gaudion said in a statement.
"We are looking locally, nationally and internationally for a suitable replacement. There are several complexities given the time of year and the fact that most players are under contract.
"We hope to announce the replacement player before Christmas."
Fowler-Nembhard is arguably the world's best goalshooter, with the 35-year-old having a profound impact at the Fever over the past seven years.
The 198cm powerhouse won the league's MVP award five years in a row from 2018-2022, and has led the league in scoring for the past seven years.
Last season, her hot form continued with a competition-high 813 goals, including a record 76-goal haul against the NSW Swifts.
Fowler-Nembhard played a key role in West Coast's title triumph in 2022, and her absence next season will be hard to cover.
"My family and I are overjoyed and filled with excitement as we prepare to welcome a precious addition to our family," Fowler said.
"While I will not be on the court playing next season, I will continue to support my teammates and the club the best I can.
"I am looking forward to being in and amongst our amazing fans, the Green Army, experiencing how electrifying RAC Arena is with the best netball supporters in the country cheering us on."
