Suncorp Super Netball blitz to return to city

BALLARAT region fans can look forward to a feast of world-class netball early in the new year when the Ballarat Blitz returns for a third year.

In a major coup, Suncorp Super Netball’s top four sides from last season will go head-to-head in a series of matches at Selkirk Stadium on the weekend of 21-22 February.

Hosted by the reigning champion Melbourne Vixens, a blockbuster weekend of pre-season action will also feature Adelaide Thunderbirds, NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever.

It will mark six months since the Vixens’ fairytale 58-59 grand final win over the Fever, coming from fourth spot at the end of the regular season to seal their first title win in five years

Following the success of events in 2024 and ’25, the Ballarat Blitz will once again be delivered in partnership with the City of Ballarat and the State Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program.

The February pre-season matches will play a key role in the Vixens’ preparation ahead of round one when they will launch their championship defence against Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane on Sunday 15 March.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said the Vixens were excited to be returning to Ballarat.

“Almost half of our netball participants in Victoria are regionally based, so we’re excited to continue partnering with the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government to bring more elite netball to regional Victoria in 2026,” she said.

“Our athletes love getting out into the community, particularly in Ballarat where the Vixens have so much support, and these pre-season events are fantastic opportunities for us to bring the world’s best, right to the doorstep of the next generation of Victorian netballers.”

Off the court, the showcase will see Netball Victoria deliver community activities in the region, including clinics and school visits, while umpiring and coaching development opportunities will provide local officials with the chance to learn from accredited experts.

Netball Victoria high performance and pathways general manager Sharelle McMahon said the Blitz would be an important part of the Vixens’ preparation for 2026.

“We want to go back-to-back, and that starts with everything we do in pre-season so heading to Ballarat will be a great opportunity for us,” said McMahon, an Australian netball icon and Sports Australia Hall of Fame inductee.

“We’re really grateful to have the support of netball fans right across the state, and we can’t wait to test ourselves against quality opposition in front of brilliant Ballarat crowds again.”

As part of the wider partnership, Selkirk Stadium will play host to a series of Victorian Netball League games in June.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the Ballarat Blitz had made a huge impact on Ballarat in its first two years.

“I’m sure the third will be bigger and better than ever before,” she said.

“In addition to the Blitz, we also look forward to further opportunities to host elite matches in Ballarat in 2026 as Netball Victoria continues to drive grassroots netball and community participation in Ballarat.”

Tickets for the Ballarat Blitz went on sale to Vixens members and to the general public late last week.

For game day and netball clinic bookings, visit premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=VIXENS26.

2026 BALLARAT BLITZ

Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat

Saturday 21 February

3pm – NSW Swifts v Adelaide Thunderbirds

5.15pm – Melbourne Vixens v West Coast Fever

Sunday 22 February

11am – West Coast Fever v NSW Swifts

1.15pm – Melbourne Vixens v Adelaide Thunderbirds

C.E Brown Reserve, Wendouree (Dowling Street)

Saturday 21 February