West Coast Fever Head Coach Dan Ryan has shared insight into the team’s approach to reintegrating star shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard into the squad following the heartbreaking loss of her unborn child. The Jamaican netball icon recently rejoined the team as she begins the gradual process of returning to full training.

Speaking ahead of the team’s highly anticipated opening round clash of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, Ryan emphasized patience and empathy as central to the Fever’s plan.

“It’s a natural progression for Jay,” Ryan said. “She’s really enjoyed just reconnecting with the team over the past couple of weeks and just being present at training. Then she made the decision to return to a more intensive training environment, which has been great to hear.”

The five-time league MVP’s return to training marks a significant step forward, but Ryan made it clear that there is no pressure being placed on her timeline.

“From our perspective, we’re being really patient—session by session, no rush, no timeframes,” Ryan explained. “Just give Jay all the space and time she needs to be ready. Whenever that is, time will tell.”

Ryan also praised the Fever’s squad for their adaptability and supportiveness, acknowledging that integrating a returning player—especially one as influential as Fowler-Nembhard—can naturally shift the team’s dynamics.

“We’ve spent 21 weeks heading in one direction, and that may shift and adjust over the course of the season,” he noted. “But our playing group is really adaptable. Jay’s been a stalwart at our club for many years, and everyone is really embracing of her return and what that looks like.”

While the Fever continues to prepare for Round One, Ryan stressed the importance of remaining focused on the present. The team will face off against arch-rivals NSW Swifts in what he expects to be a blockbuster start to the season.

“There’s a lot of work still to do and a really important Round-One game coming up. We expect and hope for a massive crowd,” he said. “Swifts are probably one of the favourites to win the competition based on their list, and we’re really keen to get stuck in and see what we can do against them.”

As West Coast Fever prepares for another title push, the return of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard—whenever that may be—will no doubt add emotional weight and inspiration to a team already poised for big things. For now, the focus remains on compassion, support, and giving one of netball’s greatest athletes the time she needs to heal—physically and emotionally.

Photos: West Coast Fever