Ekenasio still shooting for Games selection
Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s lack of premiership court time isn’t expected to count against her as Silver Ferns’ Commonwealth Games selection ramps up.
The former national skipper, who guided New Zealand to a rare Constellation Cup triumph against Australia last March, has played only 150 minutes and four games for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic this season.
Star shooter Ekenasio was always going to take time to build up her minutes and match fitness, returning to the court after the birth of her second child, daughter Luna, in November.
Ekenasio, who has played 47 tests and was a vital member of the 2019 World Cup-winning side, only began training with the Magic in February.
She has gradually increased her court time, starting with 15 minutes in her first game, and played her first 60-minute match against the Pulse on April 18.
The Magic then dealt with a Covid-19 outbreak with Ekenasio missing their last game against the Mystics on Monday as she worked through return to play protocols.
The Silver Ferns’ 12-player Commonwealth Games squad will be unveiled on June 27, with the possibility of three additional reserves. National trials, which will feature up to 27 triallists, will be held inWellington from June 20-23.
From those trials the Games squad will be named, as well as the
Silver Ferns national and development squads for 2022-23 and a New Zealand A squad.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said Ekenasio was firmly in the picture for the Games, despite playing one full game.
‘‘At the moment as I understand yes she is [available]. I haven’t heard anything different and we’ve had no discussion that she wasn’t available, so we’ll see how she goes as she builds towards her minutes in the second half of the competition.’’
The last-placed Magic have nine round games left, starting with the Stars in Auckland today, which gives Ekenasio time to gain regular court time and impress.
Provided she can do that and stand out in the trials, her experience, quality and leadership would make her a lock in the Ferns’ shooting end.
With seven matches in 10 days at the Games in Birmingham, which begins against Northern Ireland on July 29, Ekenasio will need to prove she can handle the busy schedule.
Taurua said past performances in the black dress would come into their thinking when deciding on the Games squad – which should benefit Ekenasio. Conditioning and a player’s ability to handle games in back-toback days would also be crucial. ‘‘The bigger picture is they need to be able to take the load when we’re at Commonwealth Games. That’s the bigger picture for us that we have to take into consideration when we’re bringing people in for selection.’’ Ekenasio’s Magic team-mate
Bailey Mes has put herself in contention for the Games with a heartening first half of the season.
The 72-test veteran has looked rejuvenated after moving from the Mystics, where she had a forgettable 2021 campaign, managing knee issues and battling with her shooting volume and accuracy.
Mes has converted 105 goals from 131 attempts this season (80%) and gained significant court time.
Her ability to play both shooting positions and cover wing attack, and strong conditioning could be appealing at an event such as the Games.
‘‘It’s really encouraging seeing what she’s done out there. How she’s come back from injury, but also the shifts she has made in her overall game play, which I think is brilliant to be able to see that,’’ Taurua said of Mes’ improvement.
‘‘Really encouraged by what she’s doing.’’
Taurua stressed the final five weeks of round play and the finals would be critical for aspiring Ferns as they pushed for Games selection.