At a glance
Expect to see ANZ Premiership netballers in the naughty chair far more regularly this season.
The eighth edition of the premiership launched on Saturday with the new player suspension rule creating early headlines.
In the opening two matches, three players were forced off the court for two minutes following physical collisions.
Umpires previously had to warn players for persistent infringing before they were suspended for two minutes.
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. Foul play includes unfair play, unsporting behaviour, and dangerous play.
It did not take long for the rule changes to play out on court in the ANZ Premiership.
In Saturday’s season opener between the Mystics and Magic, two players were dispatched to the sideline for late challenges.
Magic defender Oceane Maihi became the first player banished to the ‘naughty chair’ on the sideline with Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson later following.
Then in the first quarter of Sunday’s game, Stars debutant, wing defence*
Khanyè-Lii Munro-Nanoa, joined the list after a late challenge on Pulse centre Maddy Gordon.
Gordon, the ANZ Premiership player of the year last season, picked up where she left off in yesterday’s 58-51 win over the Stars.
The 22-test Silver Fern was a livewire in the centre bib, getting through a power of work on attack. She was also effective on defence.
The Pulse led by as many as 10 goals in the second quarter, but there were some nervous moments early in the final term as the Stars closed to within one (43-42).
It was the perfect way for new Pulse head coach Anna Andrews-Tasola to start.
The Pulse needed Gordon, fellow Silver Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness, and talented young goal shoot Amelia Walmsley to stand up on attack. Goal attack Tiana Metuarau, a key contributor in the shooting circle, missed the match as a precaution with a foot injury.
Former Southern Steel player Kiana Pelasio stepped up in her absence, landing 12 goals from 16 attempts.
Saturday: At Globox Arena: Hamilton: Mystics 64 (Grace Nweke: 50/58, Filda Vui: 8/10, Hannah Glen: 6/8) Magic 52
(Saviour Tui: 37/42, Ameliaranne Ekenasio: 15/17) 1Q: 14-16, HT: 30-31, 3Q: 47-41. Sunday: At Pulman Arena, Auckland: Pulse58 (Amelia Walmsley: 45/58, Kiana Pelasio: 12/16, Khiarna Williams: 1/1) Stars
(Maia Wilson: 34/38, Amorangi Malesala: 10/14, Rahni Samason: 7/11) 1Q: 16-12, HT: 32-24, 3Q: 41-37.
In Saturday’s opener, the Mystics began their title defence with a 64-52 victory over the Magic.
The Magic would have been eyeing an upset, leading 31-30 at halftime, but a dominant 17-10 third quarter from the Mystics proved crucial.
Silver Ferns star Grace Nweke landed 50 from 58, also grabbing eight rebounds, in a strong performance.
The final match of round one sees the Tactix host the Steel in the southern derby in Christchurch today (7.30pm start).