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.
Completing a perfect run of major tournament victories as Diamonds vice-captain before retiring after the 2023 World Cup
How They Played
Agile, creative goal attack with exceptional court IQ and a trademark ability to shoot accurately from long range
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
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 | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Swifts | 2015–2016 | — |
| Sunshine Coast Lightning | 2017–2026 | — |