The winter of our discontent
The national premiership can’t be another blight on Netball New Zealand’s (NNZ) growing rap sheet. The ANZ Premiership launches tomorrow amid a backdrop of discontent, with an independent review set to be carried out into the Silver Ferns’ downward plight. Netball fans are angry at NNZ’s decisions over the past three years, which have contributed to the Ferns’ demise.
After the Silver Ferns’ disastrous Commonwealth Games campaign, where they failed to medal for the first time and lost four games, the competition will be under heavy scrutiny in its second season.
Last year’s inaugural premiership was a flop and a poor sister to Australia’s glitzy Super Netball, which attracts the world’s premier imports to play in sold-out arenas.
New Zealand’s flagship competition already faces serious questions about whether it is effectively preparing players for international netball and meeting key objectives.
Another issue is the lack of coaching depth and experience with none of the six head coaches a realistic option to replace Ferns’ coach Janine Southby, should she resign or be sacked as is expected.
The ANZ Premiership desperately needs a close opening round, played at a high-skill level and intensity, to capture and maintain interest.
There were too many blowout scorelines in 2017 with 28 of the 47 games decided by 10 goals or more. Several stadiums had large sections of empty seats and the error rate was worrying.
Last season’s champions, the Southern Steel, were streets ahead of the opposition, going 16-0. There doesn’t seem to be much between this year’s sides, which should make for a much-needed tight competition.
NNZ’s domestic league is here to stay. Let’s firstly clear things up. NNZ didn’t have a choice to go it alone when the trans-Tasman netball marriage started to turn sour.
Netball Australia’s proposal was for two Kiwi teams (rather than five) in a revised trans-Tasman competition, which was preposterous and would have killed the sport at the elite level in New Zealand.
Super Netball’s unlimited import rule is both a blessing and curse for Australia. While they have three more sides than the trans-Tasman league, some talented young Australians are sitting on the bench behind star overseas players.
Ironically, the lack of imports in the Kiwi competition this year could be just the tonic New Zealand needs.
Just three overseas players will feature, South African Lenize Potgieter (Magic), Australian Kate Beveridge (Tactix), and England captain Ama Agbeze (Stars). Compare that to the six who lined up last season.
The by-product will be increased court-time for emerging Kiwi talent, which should only benefit New Zealand in the long run.
There will also be a greater pool of players to select from and positional strength. Not long ago, most domestic teams’ starting goal shoot bibs were filled by overseas players.
Given the Silver Ferns’ woes, the ANZ Premiership will effectively be an audition for black dresses.
Several of the Commonwealth Games squad may never play internationally again after the shambolic showing on the Gold Coast. That will provide an opportunity for uncapped players and forgotten names.
Public confidence in netball is at an all-time low in New Zealand. The ANZ Premiership has to make an impact in 2018 and thrive.