West Coast Fever star Verity Simmons announces retirement from netball as she weighs up surprise sporting switch

Verity Simmons concedes “not getting paid for eight weeks” was a factor in her decision to quit netball for a shot at AFLW, writes ELIZA REILLY.

Eliza Reilly

@ByElizaReilly

3 min read

November 24, 2023 - 9:36PM

Retired Fever star Verity Simmons is weighing up a shock code switch to the AFLW. Picture: Getty Images

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West Coast Fever star Verity Simmons has conceded netball’s ongoing industrial dispute and the lack of income for its athletes played a part in her decision to retire from the sport and pursue an AFLW career.

CODE Sports revealed on Friday that Simmons is considering a shock cross-code switch to football, with Fremantle and West Coast both interested in her services.

Simmons told teammates of her decision to retire from netball on Friday morning, surprising many in the sport, and it is understood West Coast Eagles are favourites to land her signature if she opts to switch codes.

Speaking for the first time since announcing her retirement, Simmons said the protracted netball industrial dispute was a source of frustration for athletes and, had she been able to sign a contract with the Fever, she may not have considered leaving the sport.

Retired Fever star Verity Simmons is weighing up a shock code switch to the AFLW. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve been in circumstances we’ve never been in before,” Simmons told SEN WA. “We’ve had eight weeks waiting for things to get sorted. During that time, I’ve sat down and had time to think about where I am in life.

“I said to the girls this morning that I don’t want to be selfish and not be 100 percent all in. That would be wrong.

“Eight weeks ago, I probably wouldn’t be in this mindset. I can’t lie and say I would be.

“Not getting paid for eight weeks is pretty tough. Anyone, no matter what job they’re in, would be financially struggling. The players are fighting for the right reasons. I understand it but it doesn’t mean that the frustration and trickiness of it still isn’t there.”

Asked about her decision to pursue an AFLW career, Simmons confirmed it was an option she was exploring.

“I’ll give anything consideration,” she said. “I haven’t been paid for eight weeks and I’m currently jobless so you have to.

“I’d definitely have a look down that avenue. I’ve never played the game. I’m an east coast girl. But you never know what’s around the corner.”

Former Diamonds star – and current Collingwood defender – Ash Brazil is reportedly in Fremantle’s sights. Picture: Michael Klein

Simmons isn’t the only ex-Diamonds netballer being pursued by AFLW with Collingwood defender Ash Brazill reportedly in Fremantle’s sights as the Dockers commence an off-season recruitment drive. CODE Sports understands Fremantle is of the belief her leadership would be pivotal as the club aims to return to finals.

Brazill and Simmons moved to Perth to play for the Fever together and the latter said it would be a full circle moment for the pair to end up on the same team again.

“It would be amazing to go and do something like that with her and finish off our careers. It’s all unknown territory for me at the moment,” Simmons said.

The Dockers are also set to land Western Bulldogs young gun Gabby Newton.

Simmons, 32, is the latest star to depart the Fever as the club contends with a substantial player turnover. Considered a lock for the Fever’s 2024 list after a frantic off-season that had seen half of last season’s squad depart, West Coast has already been forced to replace Courtney Bruce (Lightning) and Sasha Glasgow (Mavericks), along with bench players Kim Jenner, Rudi Ellis and Emma Cosh.

And it will now include Simmons, last season’s People’s Choice Award winner at the Stacey Marinkovich Medal, who announced on Friday she would be stepping away from the game.

West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan said Simmons left no stone unturned in chasing her netball dreams.

“No one epitomises team spirit and competitive grit better than our Vez and the legacy she leaves behind in the green dress will help to drive the future of West Coast Fever,” he said.

“Her work ethic was unrivalled and her ability to dig deep in the face of adversity was so inspiring.”

The Fever will now begin their search to find a replacement for Simmons at a time when most elite players have aligned with clubs for next season, despite not being able to formally sign on account of the industrial dispute between Netball Australia and the players’ union.