Netballer learns selection fate after unprecedented assault charge

Sarah Klau has been reprimanded by Netball Australia for bringing the game into disrepute. (Getty: Daniel Pockett)

Australian netballer Sarah Klau has been sanctioned by the sport's governing body after pleading guilty to assault and failing to disclose the matter prior to the Commonwealth Games.

Following an investigation into the incident over the past couple of weeks, Netball Australia has handed Klau a $5,000 fine and a two-game ban that is wholly suspended for 12 months.

The goalkeeper will also be required to complete additional education.

Klau has played over 150 matches for the Swifts and won two premierships. (Getty: Jason McCawley)

Klau breached the sport's code of conduct by failing to behave in a professional manner while in public and engaging in conduct that could bring the game into disrepute.

In a statement, Netball Australia said it took into consideration Klau's "individual circumstances and her otherwise exemplary personal history", as well as her apology to the victim and venue, but the seriousness of the charge and breach of standards warranted formal disciplinary action.

Chief executive Mark Falvo described it as "a significant but momentary lapse in judgement … that has been mitigated by her otherwise excellent character".

Sarah Klau plays in the 2024 Constellation Cup in Perth, Australia. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)

This means Klau will still be eligible for selection in the Constellation Cup.

The Australian squad set to face New Zealand in a four-game bilateral series in October will be announced in the coming days.

This is believed to be the first time a Super Netballer and national team member has been in trouble with the law, and the decision now sets a precedent for the sport at the elite level.

Klau fronted Sydney's Downing Centre Courthouse in early September facing a common assault charge from June 7, when she allegedly kicked a security guard in the back outside a pub.

The 31-year-old reportedly attended a Sydney Swans AFL match before arriving at the Paddington Inn and retaliated when she was denied entry due to being too intoxicated.

This took place a day after Klau was ruled out of the NSW Swifts' penultimate game of the Super Netball season to manage an ongoing leg injury.

Klau was part of the 2022 team that won gold at the Birmingham Games. (Getty: Sue McKay)

The assault shocked the netball community and was dubbed "out of character" by many who know Klau.

The charges were laid five weeks after the incident, right before Klau departed with the national team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Netball Australia's investigation aimed to determine whether the veteran knew about the charges before she left.

There is a possibility that she was notified in writing at her Sydney address while in camp in Melbourne, then flew straight to Scotland to compete completely unaware.

Klau has played 67 caps for her country and has been a mainstay in the squad since her international debut in 2019.

Klau has played for the Diamonds since 2019. (Getty: Darrian Traynor)

Despite being hampered by injury throughout the recent Super Netball season, Klau was still named and made her second appearance at the tournament, albeit with limited court time.

The Diamonds won bronze after defeating England 68-50 in the medal matches.

Klau then spent time abroad on holiday before returning home and fronting court.

Following the investigation, Netball Australia would not disclose the timeline of events but confirmed it did not find out about the incident until a week before the court appearance on September 3.

Commonwealth Games Australia's (CGA) athletes must agree to their ethical by-laws, which state that an athlete cannot engage in any conduct — whether publicly known or not — that brings the relevant person's sport into disrepute.

The behaviour policies also outline that an athlete must not deliberately withhold information in relation to any possible prohibited conduct and is expected to notify the CEO or CGA President of any potential breach.

When contacted by ABC Sport, CGA said it was aware of the court proceedings but was waiting on the findings of Netball Australia's investigation before determining any impact they may have on Klau's relationship with the Australian CGA team.

Klau won a bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. (Getty: James Fearn)

Jessie Grenvold earned her first call-up for the side and travelled as a reserve. Had all of this come to light, Grenvold could have taken Klau's place.

Importantly, Klau has avoided a conviction, likely due to her status as a Diamonds player, as the judge said it would be a "terrible setback" to "everything you have achieved".

"It's always such a shame to see fabulous sports men and women compromise themselves, really, on nights out," the judge said during sentencing according to NewsCorp.

"In any event alcohol and violence tend to be a great leveller, it doesn't matter who you are.

"This is an opportunity that is being offered to you once."

Klau wins the ball back for the Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena. (Getty: Darrian Traynor)

Speaking in a statement issued via the Australian Netball Players' Association, Klau expressed deep regret.

"I am incredibly sorry for my actions and the impact they have had on everyone involved and the wider netball community.

"I take full responsibility for my behaviour and accept the consequences that follow.

"I am committed to learning from this and ensuring my actions reflect the standards expected of me and our sport.

"I am grateful for the support I have received, I care deeply about netball and the values it represents."

Klau was also part of the World Cup winning team in 2023. (Getty: Ashley Vlotman)

Two years ago, the Swifts parted ways mid-season with long-time player Sam Wallace-Joseph due to behavioural issues that happened internally and were never publicly disclosed.

Considering the nature of these charges, the guilty plea and the timing of the incident while Klau was in season and supposed to be resting a leg injury, fans thought the club might also make an example of this incident.

Instead, it appears Klau has missed out on a penalty entirely in club land. 

The Swifts re-signed their two-time premiership player for a fifth Super Netball season before the trial and later defended her in a statement.

"Netball NSW can confirm that Sarah Klau has had a matter heard before the Local Court dismissed without conviction," a spokesperson said.

"Netball NSW takes the behavioural standards of its athletes and staff seriously.

"Sarah has been an exemplary role model in the NSW Swifts environment for 10 years and the club will continue to provide her with support."