West Coast Fever will be without superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard for next season after the world’s best goalshooter announced she is pregnant.

Fowler-Nembhard, 35, made the announcement on social media on Friday morning, with her family of husband Ashani and daughter Drehannah set to grow.

It means Fever will be without the five-time Super Netball Player of the Year for next season, with the club set to begin the process of replacing one of the sport’s most irreplaceable players.

Fowler-Nembhard has led the competition’s goal-scoring for each of the past seven seasons and has been instrumental in Fever’s rise to a powerhouse club that won a premiership in 2022 and featured in preliminary finals in the past two years.

“My family and I are overjoyed and filled with excitement as we prepare to welcome a precious addition to our family,” Fowler-Nembhard 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.”

West Coast will look to lock in the star shooter’s replacement in the coming weeks.

“Everyone at Fever is absolutely thrilled for Jhaniele, Ashani and Drehannah. We’ve always known that Jhaniele has dreamed of having another child and seeing that dream come true is simply wonderful,” Fever netball boss Sue Gaudion said.

“This is such a special time for Jhaniele and her family and our club will be there to support them every step of the way.

“Due to her pregnancy, Jhaniele will not be participating in the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season. She will continue to be an integral part of the Fever family, lending her invaluable netball experience and knowledge to support our team each week as she prepares to welcome the new addition to her family.

“The club began the recruitment process as soon as Jhaniele informed us and we are currently exploring all our options.

“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 out of contract at the end of next season.