Super Netball stars have collectively boycotted the Netball Australia Awards on Saturday night amid the players' ongoing pay dispute with the governing body.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan announced that no Super Netball players were in attendance for the annual event at The Forum Melbourne, where several prestigious awards are handed out including the Liz Ellis Diamond.
Members of the Australian Diamonds squad were present as they were contractually obliged to do so.
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In a statement, the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) said players were steering clear of the event following close to eight weeks without income due to the absence of a new collective player agreement.
"Tonight are the Netball Australia Awards and the Diamonds are attending because they are legally obligated to be present," the statement read.
"With no agreement on our collective player agreement, SSN players have been unpaid for nearly eight weeks.
"We will continue to #FightForFair.
"What we have requested is affordable and sustainable to the game and promotes a genuine partnership to grow the game."
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NSW Swifts and England Roses representative Helen Housby opted not to attend the event, explaining her decision on social media.
"Personally took the decision not to attend tonight's event after receiving an invitation," she wrote in an Instagram story on Saturday.
"We as a collective playing group remain strong and supportive of each other despite challenging circumstances.
"We also fully support the Diamonds players who have contractual obligations to be there this evening."
In October, players handed over their intellectual property rights to the ANPA, meaning the league requires permission to use the players for promotional material ahead of the next Super Netball season.
MORE TO COME.
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