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SW
Netball Biography

Steph Wood

“Woody”

Australian flag Australian · Townsville, Queensland, Australia · Born 28 November 1991

Goal Attack

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Australian shooter and Diamonds vice-captain who retired after helping her country complete a perfect run of major tournament wins between 2021 and 2023.

Stephanie Wood (later Fretwell) was born on 28 November 1991 in Townsville, Queensland, the youngest of three sisters who all played netball. She played for Queensland Fusion and NSW Swifts before joining the Sunshine Coast Lightning as one of its foundation players in 2017, going on to win back-to-back Suncorp Super Netball titles in 2017 and 2018 and later becoming club captain. Wood made her senior Australian debut on 27 August 2016 against South Africa and went on to earn 56 caps, winning silver at both the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 World Cup before being appointed Diamonds vice-captain alongside captain Liz Watson in 2021. Under their leadership, Australia won every major tournament available: the Netball Quad Series in 2022 and 2023, the Constellation Cup and England Series in 2022, Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, and the World Cup in 2023, beating England 65-48 in the final in Cape Town. Wood announced her retirement from international netball immediately after that 2023 World Cup triumph, finishing as Diamond number 170 with a complete collection of major honours. She continued as captain of the Sunshine Coast Lightning at domestic level, known throughout her career for her exceptional court IQ, long-range shooting and creative feeding into the circle.

Famous For

Completing a perfect run of major tournament victories as Diamonds vice-captain before retiring after the 2023 World Cup

Playing Style

How They Played

Agile, creative goal attack with exceptional court IQ and a trademark ability to shoot accurately from long range

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Regarded as one of Australia's smartest and most creative shooters, celebrated for her court vision and clutch performances across a golden era for the Diamonds

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • Netball World Cup Gold 2023
  • Commonwealth Games Gold 2022
  • 2x Suncorp Super Netball Premiership (2017, 2018)
  • Australian Diamonds Vice-Captain (2021-2023)
Club Career
Club Period Apps
NSW Swifts2015–2016
Sunshine Coast Lightning2017–2026
Career Journey

Timeline

2016 🎯 International debut for Australia against South Africa
2017 🏆 Wins first Super Netball premiership as a founding Sunshine Coast Lightning player
2018 🏆 Second Super Netball premiership; Commonwealth Games silver medal
2019 🏆 World Cup silver medal, Liverpool
2021 🎯 Named Diamonds vice-captain alongside Liz Watson
2022 🏆 Commonwealth Games gold medal, Birmingham
2023 🏆 World Cup gold medal, retires from international netball immediately after
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Steph Wood

As Diamonds vice-captain alongside Liz Watson, she helped Australia win every major tournament between 2021 and 2023, including Commonwealth Games gold in 2022 and World Cup gold in 2023.

She earned 56 caps between 2016 and 2023, when she retired from international netball straight after the World Cup win.

She was a foundation player for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in 2017, winning back-to-back premierships and later becoming club captain.

She retired immediately after Australia's 2023 World Cup gold medal win in Cape Town.

Yes, she is also known as Steph Fretwell following her marriage.