Saunders relaxed on captaincy
ANZ Premiership
Last year: Third
Will be strong in the shooting circle with the dynamic Grace Nweke and experienced Bailey Mes. Sulu Fitzpatrick also adds a strong piece at the defensive end. Solid throughout the court, although may lack some star power. Did well last year, although will have to travel more this time around.
Northern Stars
Last year: Fourth
Maia Wilson is coming off a dominant Constellation Cup and she gives the Stars possibly the Premiership’s best shooter. Wing attack Gina Crampton and goal attack Monica Falkner are both exceptional additions as well. May be a little light on the defensive end, although Anna Harrison brings plenty of experience.
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
Last year: Fifth
Looking the strongest it has since the transtasman competition days. Australian goal shooter Caitlin Bassett is a huge addition, while Temalisi Fakahokotau adds aggression to the defensive circle. She will partner Erena Mikaere, while experienced heads in Grace Kara and Sam Winders give this team a very tough allround look.
Central Pulse
Last year: Champions
Not quite as stacked as the past three years, although still very good nonetheless. Karin Burger and Katrina Rore are gone. But Whitney Souness returns after a year with the Magic. She slots back into a strong midcourt, while Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio — when she returns from a break — remain the Premiership’s top shooting duo. Kelly Jury gives height to a defensive lineup that is not quite as strong as it has been.
Mainland Tactix
Last year: Runnersup
Burger comes in for Fakahokotau in the only change from last year. That continuity will be key, as the side looks to go one better after making its first final. Jane Watson remains an intimidating presence in the defensive circle, while Kimiora Poi and Te Paea Selby
Invercargill, today, 6pm
Steel: Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Ali Wilshier, Renee Savai’inaea, George Fisher, Tiana Metuarau, Kiana Pelasio, Te Huinga Reo SelbyRickit, Sarahpheinna Woulf. Tactix: Jane Watson, Karin Burger, Jess Prosser, Samon Nathan, Kimiora Poi, Erikana Pedersen, Sophia Fenwick, Te Paea SelbyRickit, Ellie Bird, Charlotte Elley.
SHANNON Saunders is not overthinking her new role.
The midcourter will be one of the few familiar faces on court when the Southern Steel begins its ANZ Premiership season today against the Mainland Tactix.
However, it will be an unfamiliar role she is filling.
The 128game veteran will captain the side for the first time, taking over from the
Gina CramptonTe Huinga Reo SelbyRickit duo.
She will still have SelbyRickit for support, as her vicecaptain.
It was something that had gone well in preseason, although it was not something she would let affect her on court too much.
‘‘I haven’t really thought about it too much,’’ Saunders said.
‘‘I don’t think it really adds too much pressure, I already put a lot on myself to perform anyway.
‘‘Just trying to be a bit more vocal and trying to support the girls as much as I can.
‘‘But we’re all leaders in our own right, so just trying to bring out the best in each other.’’
Rickit ensure there is starquality right across the court.
Southern Steel
Last year: Sixth
The Steel had struggled throughout its preseason, but it had been a disrupted period, as injuries plagued the team.
Meanwhile import shooter George Fisher had not taken the court.
Those injuries had cleared up and Fisher is ready to go tomorrow.
Saunders said it was good timing to have all the players back.
Lessons had been learned from preseason as well and the side had been working hard.
‘‘It was just that consistency and when we’re going into a lull not letting it go on too long.
‘‘We were dropping 10 goals pretty quick.
‘‘Just making those ebbs and flows a bit smaller so its not such a big impact.
‘‘Then we’ve been working George in because we didn’t have her for our preseason games.
‘‘Just trying to learn and adapt to what space she wants the ball and how she plays the game.’’
The Steel has a fresh look to it and half of its team is new to the south.
Several of those players had played plenty of netball, despite their youth.
Saunders said it was more a
The golden era is very much over and this is a very new, young team. Shannon Saunders’ presence in the midcourt will be massive, while Te Huinga Reo SelbyRickit brings the only other real experifeeling of excitement among the new group, rather than one of nerves.
‘‘I think they’re a really excited about stepping out in front of the Invercargill crowd and having them on our side.
‘‘They’re all really keen to see what that’s like and play in front of a pretty full stadium.
‘‘That’s going to be cool for them.
‘‘We’re trying to support them as much as we can, but everyone’s gelling really well and everyone’s feeling really good so I think that’s positive.’’
Tomorrow represented a tough opponent first up.
Many are picking the Tactix as the Premiership’s favourite, following on from making their first final a year ago.
They have lost key defender Temalisi Fakahokotau, but picked up Silver Fern Karin Burger.
Aside from that their team remains intact and with Jane Watson, Kimiora Poi and Te Paea SelbyRickit, there is quality right through the court. The match begins at 6pm.
The Southern Blast begins its Beko League campaign on Sunday as well, as it faces the Northern Comets at 1.05pm in Invercargill.
ence. Of the youngsters wing defence Kate Heffernan has taken a step every season, while import shooter George Fisher will need to be exceptional. How well the newcomers go will be key.