Netball blindsided by leak of likely inclusion at Brisbane Olympics

Netball has been blindsided by a leak of its likely inclusion at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Media reports by NewsCorp suggest it is "near the top of the list" in priority for the 2032 organising committee, which is permitted to put forward up to six local sports to feature as one-offs at the Games.

Cricket, surf lifesaving, rugby league and lawn bowls are also in the frame.

This would set netball up for a historic Games debut. Despite being part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998, it has tried and failed at least four times to join the Olympic programme previously.

The endorsement is a positive sign, the significance of which is not lost on Netball Australia, who have garnered more than 115,000 signatures on their petition since officially launching a bid to join the Brisbane Games in 2021.

In January, a survey conducted by independent market and social research agency Insightfully, found 66 per cent of Australians support netball's inclusion at the Olympics. It polled 10 points higher than any other sport.

However, key figures at Netball Australia were tight-lipped on Thursday, for fear of speaking out of turn and jeopardising their chances.

Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revised its timeline for determining which sports and disciplines would make it onto the programme for the Brisbane Games.

In December, the IOC will make recommendations in three different categories: existing disciplines to have automatic inclusion; existing or proposed disciplines that require further assessment; and candidate disciplines eliminated from consideration.

A formal verdict will be handed down in April next year after votes are taken at the IOC session in the Dominican Republic.

Former Australian defender turned-commentator Bianca Chatfield shared her initial reaction with ABC Sport.

"Everyone is really shocked that it's come out and there has been this leak," Chatfield said.

"I was so excited when I saw the news, but then I dug deeper and realised it's not official.

"We're all just holding on with hope that the news is real and that it'll come to fruition next year."

Chatfield said the Olympics always felt out of reach as an option for netball, but the sport deserved its chance to shine at the Games.

"It would mean everything to the sport, there's been a lot of work done behind the scenes," she said.

"For the athletes especially it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a crack at an Olympic gold medal.

"The Olympics was just something that we never thought would happen so the fact it's a tangible thing now, we'd all be absolutely stoked to see it happen."

The Australian team's recent form sees it on the brink of losing the world number one ranking for the first time since 2013, but that lapse in dominance could perhaps help a greater cause.

The Diamonds missed the Commonwealth Games final for the first time in Glasgow, falling to Jamaica in the semifinals before rallying to claim bronze. They also conceded the Constellation Cup to New Zealand for just the fourth time in 16 series.

"I do think a competitive environment really helps [our Olympic case]," Chatfield said.

"As we're seeing internationally, with the rise of teams like Jamaica and New Zealand, it's not a forgone conclusion that Australia would get the gold."

Federal Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells, who is also vice chair on the board of the Brisbane 2032 committee, pledged her support at the Queensland Media Club on Thursday.

She also told ABC Sport that it was feasible that multiple team sports like cricket and netball could be selected, despite there being pressure to remain inside the overall 10,500 athlete quota.

"Today I am publicly committing my support to netball as part of Brisbane 2032," Wells said.

"Netball is quintessentially Australian and the leading team sport for women and girls here and across our region.

"It connects communities, it creates leaders, it builds confidence and inspires dreams.

"It would be a massive moment for the million little girls and women, and increasingly men and boys, who pull on their netball bibs and get out to play."

Chief executive of the Australian Netball Players' Association Kathryn Harby-Williams said the athletes welcomed the news.

"It would be an incredible opportunity for the athletes if it is true, to compete at one of the biggest sports events in the world," Harby-Williams told ABC Sport.

Meanwhile, a Netball Australia spokesperson said it would follow due process.

"We are focused on putting our best foot forward with the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and the IOC and we respect their processes," a statement read.

"We will continue to advocate for netball and our incredible community across the globe.

"There are countless Australian netball players who dream of one day becoming an Olympian and we believe Brisbane 2032 would be the perfect stage for those dreams."