How Sinclair’s fortunes changed

By Stephanie Smarrelli 
 

While playing for the Panthers in the UK’s Netball Super League throughout 2025, Gabby Sinclair thought she’d never play elite netball in front of her family and friends again. 

The goaler was let go from the Melbourne Mavericks at the end of the 2024 season and two years earlier was dropped from the Collingwood Magpies. 

With a short stint in the UK for the Cardiff Dragons in between, she felt comfortable at the Panthers in 2025 with her Suncorp Super Netball days behind her but then the unthinkable happened.  

A call from the Sunshine Coast Lightning.  
 
“I was excited when Lightning reached out,” Sinclair said.  

“You're never sure where your netball journey is going to go and where you’re going to end up. 

"I was excited to have the opportunity to play in SSN again and be back in Australia with my family and friends.  

“I'm looking forward to playing in front of them again because I didn't think that was going to happen.”  

For Sinclair playing in front of familiar faces brings her a sense of comfort. 
 
“My family and friends watched online and supported me in that way,” she said. 

“But there’s something special about having them at games."  

Her family were thrilled to find out she’s coming home to Australia. 
 
“They see all the hard work behind the scenes and everything I’ve put in to being the best player,” she said. 

“So they were proud and excited I'll be back in Australia.” 
 
Facetime calls will still be on the agenda for Sinclair and her crew but while being interstate will make life easier, there’s one special person she’s elated to have with her on the Sunny Coast. 
 
“My partner’s planning to come with me,” she said. 
 
“He came to the UK for a bit, being in a long-distance relationship was difficult but we found ways to keep in touch.”  
 
The 32-year-old, is counting down the days to putting on the Lightning dress for the first time. 
 
“We've got a very dynamic goaling end and lots of different combinations we can put out there,” she said. 

“That’s a positive for Lightning in 2026, we have that moving circle and we've got the strong post up option as well.”  

Sinclair’s career has been full of new opportunities but she’s eager to make the most of the Sunny Coast. 

“It's a new group of girls and coaches that I've never really worked with before,” she said. 

“There's so many talented players in the Lightning team, I'm looking forward to getting out on court and building those combinations and getting to know them off court." 

The season is still a long way away but there’s one match up she’s got her eye on.  
 
“The Mavericks,” she said. 

“Even when I was there, we had some close games with them so I feel that will be an exciting round.  
 
“But most of all, I'm excited to get out there and play again.”  
 
With a throng of New Zealand athletes heading to SSN next season, Sinclair is ready for the challenge. 
 
“It's awesome, having them in our league,” she said. 
 
“It'll be an awesome opportunity to come up against them.  

 
“They also bring a different style of play which will enhance the game further." 

Reflecting on her netball journey, Sinclair confessed it’s been a rollercoaster. 

"It's been very up and down,” she said. 
 
“I've made some teams and then haven't been selected the following year; it's been challenging in that sense but also a career I'm very grateful and proud of.”  

Sinclair admitted, not being offered a contract from the Mavs for 2025 was a hard pill to swallow. 

“It was really tough at the time,” she said. 

“I was proud of my 2024 season with Mavericks; I was happy with the performances I put out and thought I had a really good season. 

“To not be offered a contract was difficult at the time. 
 
“But looking back, having the opportunity to go and play overseas opened new doors for me. 

“I've always wanted to live in another country, travel and have those experiences, as tough as it was, I’m grateful.”  

The 32-year-old has taken plenty of lessons from her experiences both in Australia and the UK. 

"Playing in Australia has been awesome and a childhood dream of mine,” she said. 
 
“Australian netball is known for that hard-working dynamic sort of play that's something I've taken from my time in Australia. 
 
 “Then going overseas opened up a whole lot of new opportunities for me, living in a different country, being with a new group of people it challenged me as a person and a player.  
 
“Being without your support network helps you grow.” 
 
Away from the court, Sinclair is completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health. 
 
The registered nurse is passionate about ensuring women’s voices are heard when it comes to their health. 
 
“Women often aren’t listened to in regard to women’s health,” she said. 

 
“Women’s health is a big space where there can be a lot of development not just for the general population but also female athletes.  
 
“There's a gap in regards to performance and how we can fully support women in high performance sport along with a lot of things that women have to go through in their lives.  

“There's a lot that goes on with the female body that can impact performance and if we can tap into those areas a little bit more it can only benefit athletes more positively with both their performance and health away from the court. 

"I want women's voices to be heard and listened to so they can reach out and get the help that's required.”