In a major announcement for netball it was revealed that 2008 would see the introduction of a trans Tasman competition involving five teams from Australia and five from New Zealand, which would replace the two countries domestic competitions. Thanks to the support of the state government, through the Department of Sport and Recreation, Netball WA submitted a successful bid for a license and on 10 May 2007 it was announced that Western Australia be part of the new competition, later named the ANZ Championship.

Extensive market research was also undertaken and after consulting a large number of stakeholders it was decided that the best way forward for Netball WA would be to retire the Perth Orioles name and develop a new brand for elite netball in WA. On 8 November 2007 Netball WA CEO Lisa Bradock revealed to the media Western Australia’s newest elite team, West Coast Fever.