Bolters and bright spots: Who’s impressing in the ANZ Premiership?
Two rounds of the ANZ Premiership have quickly flown by. Brendon Egan looks at five key talking points to start the season.
Players making adjustments
ANZ Premiership players are proving quick learners.
After four players were dispatched to the sideline for two minutes in the opening round for dangerous play, there was less drama in week two.
Pulse defender Parris Mason was the lone player suspended (against the Magic) with no issues in the other two matches.
A focus on player welfare, especially around contact with a player’s neck or head, saw World Netball make several rule tweaks, which came into effect from January 1 this year.
Previously, umpires gave players several warnings before they were ordered off, but under the new ruling they don’t need to provide a caution.
Anything that protects the players’ safety on court must be commended. To see players, umpires, and coaches adjust so rapidly to the rule in round two was particularly encouraging.
Suspensions will still naturally happen from time to time, but players might not be taking a skate as often as we thought in round one.
And then there were three
Two weeks into the season and three teams remain unbeaten — defending champions Mystics, Pulse, and Tactix.
While it is still only early in the competition, the three winless sides won’t want them pulling away too much more on the ladder.
Whatever happens, someone will taste victory for the first time in 2024 when the Stars and Magic meet in Auckland today.
Grab your Skittles and potato chips and park up on the couch for Monday’s marquee showdown between the tabletopping Mystics and Tactix. This one is a rematch of the 2021 grand final and has all the makings of a ripper.
Who’s standing out early?
Reappointed Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be content with what she’s seen from her leading performers to start the season.
Taurua is tough to please and will know it’s only been two rounds, but several Ferns have stood up early.
Through the first two weeks of the competition, Pulse goal keep Kelly Jackson (née Jury) and centre Maddy Gordon have been two of the standouts.
Jackson picked up eight defensive gains, three intercepts, and two rebounds alone in last Saturday’s win over the Magic.
Mystics sharpshooter Grace Nweke is scoring goals for fun as usual, slotting 98 from 110 (89%) the most of any shooter
through two games.
Tactix defensive duo Jane Watson and Karin Burger have both been prominent, while Kimiora Poi is staking an early bid for a Ferns recall in the midcourt.
Mystics defender Phoenix Karaka hasn’t put a foot wrong either and is picking up plenty of ball.
Tough times for the Steel
You’ve got to feel for the netball loving folk of the deep south.
The Southern Steel are as beloved as Bluff Oysters, cheese rolls, and the late great Burt Munro in Southland, but it’s been lean times lately.
Monday’s 61-52 loss to the Mystics was the Steel’s 20th consecutive loss, dating back to May 22, 2022.
To their credit, the Steel were vastly improved from their poor first up showing against the Tactix, but it wasn’t enough to knock over the Mystics, the early title favourites.
Getting 90-test Silver Fern Shannon Saunders back on court on Monday was a huge boost for the side. If they can ramp Ferns midcourter Kate Heffernan back up to a full 60 minutes after pre-season injuries, an elusive victory will surely come in time.
Who might be a Silver Ferns’ bolter?
It’s very formative days in season 2024, but several uncapped Ferns are creating an impression.
Tactix wing defence Paris Lokotui could be a name to watch as the season progresses. Lokotui has been on the fringes of the Ferns squad in the past and has made a bright beginning. Is is understood she is the fittest she has been in her career and it is translating to her play on court.
The Silver Ferns have no shortage of options defensively, but Mystics defender Catherine Hall looks a player of much promise.
With the retirement of Sulu Fitzpatrick, minutes have opened up in the Mystics defensive circle alongside Karaka. Both Hall and young-gun Carys Stythe look like long-term names to watch internationally for the Ferns. It might not be this season, but the future looks rosy.