Fever in the Heart of Gold

West Coast Fever Lands in Kalgoorlie

West Coast Fever officially touched down in the heart of Australian gold, bringing elite netball back to Kalgoorlie for the first time since 2021. As Principal Partner, the Gold Industry Group was proud to help deliver two memorable days that combined community connection with high-quality pre-season competition.

Community engagement set the tone early, with Fever players visiting nine local schools across two days to deliver netball clinics. Students embraced every drill with enthusiasm, building skills, confidence and teamwork, while teachers walked away with practical ideas to embed into their own sport programs. It was a powerful reminder of how sport can inspire young people, particularly when elite athletes step directly into regional communities.

Thursday evening’s sundowner at the Hannans Club brought together industry leaders, community members and both competing teams, West Coast Fever and the Adelaide Thunderbirds, in a relaxed but celebratory setting. Guests heard from Gold Industry Group Vice Chair Rebecca Ciotti, who reflected on the strength of the partnership and the shared values of teamwork, resilience and pride that connect gold and netball.

The on-court action unfolded on Friday night at Evolution Mining Stadium, where a capacity crowd created an electric atmosphere. Dressed in green and ready to rally behind the Fever, local supporters were treated to an intense and fast-paced contest.

Despite missing several key players through injury and illness, the Fever opened strongly, taking the lead in the first quarter with sharp ball movement and defensive pressure. The Thunderbirds gradually worked their way back into the contest, lifting their intensity through the middle quarters before eventually claiming a 70–61 win.

The grit, composure and energy displayed on court provided valuable preparation, while reinforcing the competitive standard expected in the Suncorp Super Netball season.

The game result may not have fallen the Fever’s way, but the broader impact was undeniable. The visit reinforced the importance of the partnership in connecting industry, sport and community. The joy on the community’s faces when the Fever arrived at the schools and the roar of the crowd on match day was energising and will hopefully inspire our next generation of netball athletes.

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