Simmons would ultimately have an easy decision to make after the phone call which resulted in her replacing Zoe Cransberg throughout Fever’s pre-season campaign.
Zoe's injury potentially means Simmons could pull on the Green Dress for Round One at RAC Arena on 15 March, as the mid-courter rehabs a foot injury.
“I’m just keeping this spot warm for her,” Simmons said
“She’s an absolute powerhouse, I’ve known her for a long time, and she has so much ahead of her.
“Zoe just has to trust in the program and staff here and she will come back firing.”
Simmons is no stranger to the Fever environment, the midcourter is a maiden premiership player who has had two stints at the Club from 2012-2013 and most recently from 2016-2023.
“It feels like home to come back here and be in the green with the girls,” she said
“I don’t think anything has changed, the work ethic, work rate and professionalism that Dan brings.
“There are many reasons why you play sport, but to play infront of a crowd like the Green Army, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m pumped to see them again.”
In 2024, Simmons made a code switch, playing AFL for the West Coast Eagles. She then made the move to Sydney in 2025 to play for the NSW Swifts, replacing Maddy Proud on parental leave.
Now back in WA, Simmons wasn’t sure what her next move would be.
“I was almost in relaxed mode, thinking about retirement. The last time I had touched a netball was the preliminary final with the Swifts,” she said
“I was just figuring out what was next in life and then all the sudden Dan calls dangling a carrot in my face, so of course I’m going to take it.
“It was an easy yes.
“I just thought, how can you not. I love sport, I love netty, so of course I’m going to come back to Fever!”
The Green Army can catch Verity back in the green dress for the first time at Fever’s pre-season games against the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Kalgoorlie and at the Perth High Performance Centre.
Tickets here.
