Grand Final Preview: Steel v Pulse
TEAM NEWS:
The sun may be setting on the inaugural ANZ Premiership but expect a few fireworks to send it on its way.
Can Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse come up with and execute the game plan to upset the form books and nab the crown or will the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel steamroller plough on?
The Steel have been driven since the opening round of the premiership – out to rectify a near perfect campaign last year which faltered in the Finals Series.
Their passion has gone to another level since their road accident earlier this month, and it will likely go up another notch with captain Wendy Frew and goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit to return to the side for this all-important clash.
On-court captain Shannon Francois has however been pleased to see a number of players step up for the Steel in their absence, including the region’s Beko Netball League members.
“Obviously you don’t know what’s going to happen in the final so it’s been good to get as many players out there on court,” she said.
Thirteen goals is the closest the Pulse have come to the Steel this year but captain Katrina Grant is confident they have what it takes to win the ANZ Premiership.
“We just have to be intense from the start to finish,” she said.“We have a lot of belief in our side and that’s what we need to beat anybody on any day.”
WHO TO WATCH:
Tiana Metuarau (Pulse) – backing up from a strong performance in the Elimination Final will be a big ask for the teenager – both mentally and physically. Pulled out some big plays in a decisive fourth quarter last Sunday but hobbled off the court after the victory and faces another tough challenge against Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.
Shannon Francois (Steel) versus Sara Bayman (Pulse) – the Silver Fern centre has been in stellar form for the Steel and Francois’ speed and vision has been a hallmark of her team’s transition from defence to attack. Bayman has been a steady player through the middle for the Pulse – strong on defence – and faces a big job closing down one of the Steel’s key links.
Jhaniele Fowler-Reid (Steel) – how can you not watch this athlete? She has impressed from the opening whistles of the ANZ Premiership and netted 734 goals so far this season – more than 100 goals than any other shooter in the league.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into the ANZ Premiership Grand Final live on SKY Sport 1 and Radio Sport from 730pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch via the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.