The final game to be played under the umbrella of the Trans Tasman league proved an epic encounter, with the Queensland Firebirds holding on for a thrilling sudden-death extra-time win over the NSW Swifts.

It was a grand final like no other in the championships' nine year history and one that still has netball fans - and even some non-followers talking.

Melbourne Vixens star Watson could only marvel at the heroics put on by the back-to-back champion Firebirds and their arch-rival Swifts and hope that her chance on the grand stage might one day come.

"It honestly was the best game of netball I have ever seen - it was incredible to watch," said Watson, who graduated to the ANZ Championship after stints in the Victorian Netball League and with BFNL club Sandhurst.

"It was so great for our sport to finish off ANZ Championships with such a great game.

"I think everyone playing did netball as a product a favour.

"A lot of people saw it, including people who weren't necessarily interested (in netball), and knew it was something pretty special."

Despite spending much of the season in a substitute role, Watson said the 2016 season - here second with the Vixens - had been an enjoyable one, with the Vixens playing the one final against the Swifts.

"It's always tough not getting as much court time as you want to, but that's the nature of the game," she said.

"(Teammates) Kate Maloney and Jo Weston had such great seasons themselves, so it's tough to get a gig out there.

"But I was pretty happy getting a few quarters here and there and some important minutes in the final.

"I think every time you step out there, it's so valuable going forward."

Netball in Australia will take on a new complexion in 2017, with the advent of a new, stand-alone Australian competition involving eight teams.

The new league will consist of the five current Australian ANZ Championship teams – Vixens, Swifts, Firebirds, Adelaide Thunderbirds and West Coast Fever – in addition to three new teams.

Collingwood Football Club, Netball New South Wales – in partnership with AFL club Greater Western Sydney and the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club have been announced as the preferred bidders for the three new clubs.

It is unclear what that means for Watson beyond the establishment of extra teams possibly opening up opportunities for her to step into a starting role elsewhere, or preferably with the Vixens.

"I'l take my time to work a few things and consider what my options are," she said.

"Obviously the addition of some extra teams will open up more opportunities.

"I love the Vixens and I love Netball Victoria, but at the same time my priority is to play and if that's with the Vixens I'd be so happy to do that."

Watson continues her strong interest in Bendigo league netball and predictably tipped her old team Sandhurst to win this year’s grand final over Kangaroo Flat.