2024 ANZ Premiership Round 1 Preview
4pm, Saturday 13 April
Magic v Mystics at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands in Hamilton
Live on Sky Sport and free to air on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+
International streaming (outside NZ only) through www.netballpass.com
The 2024 ANZ Premiership opens in Hamilton with the defending champions heading south to take on AVIS Magic.
The MG Mystics remain the punters’ favourite with few changes to their side – the biggest loss in retiring captain Sulu Fitzpatrick who stepped away from the game after her team’s success last season. In her shoes steps one of the country’s most promising defenders in Carys Stythe and the 20-year-old may feel the weight of all eyes on her as she looks to make a mark on the ANZ Premiership. She will however be surrounded by plenty of experience with Phoenix Karaka and new captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson both in the defensive end.
With just two newcomers to the side – shooter Hannah Glen and defender Catherine Hall – it will be a tall ask to topple the Mystics, but the hosts have a few aces up their sleeves including a little Middle-earth Magic for the opening round.
The unique Hobbiton Movie Set Cup will be up for grabs for the fifth time and it would be the perfect time to produce a little magic in their shooting circle with the recruitment of Saviour Tui set to only strengthen that end of the court. Teaming up with Silver Fern and Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, the movement they can produce will no doubt test the Mystics defensive system. The addition of former Mystics midcourter Claire O’Brien into the middle will also add some steel to the Magic play.
4pm Sunday 14 April
Stars v Pulse at Pulman Arena in Auckland
Live on Sky Sport
International streaming (outside NZ only) through www.netballpass.com
Perhaps the match-up of the opening round of the ANZ Premiership, with last year’s finalists, the Stars, hosting the league’s most successful side, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in Auckland.
The Stars pipped the Pulse in last year’s Elimination Final, winning by one, and while there are plenty of unknowns about a new-look unit they have shown in pre-season, they are here to play. Defender Kate Burley returns to the purple dress and will need to bring all of her impressive hops to challenge for the high ball over Pulse shooter Amelia Walmsley, while midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan will provide a key link to shooters Amorangi Malesala and Maia Wilson.
But coach Kiri Wills has a number of new faces to call on and young defender Lili Tokaduadua will be one to watch. Backed by home support, the Stars will be a formidable first round opponent for the Pulse – a three-time champion club which has a new face at the helm in coach Anna Andrews-Tasola, the only new head coach in the league.
Stepping up from the assistant coach role, Andrews-Tasola will have the spine of last year’s team back on court including young defender Parris Mason who, following the departure of Kristiana Manu’a, should get more opportunities in the defensive circle alongside co-captain Kelly Jackson (nee Jury). Their battle against Silver Ferns duo Malesala and Wilson will set the tone for this first round clash.
7.30pm, Monday 15 April
Tactix v Steel at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch
Live on Sky Sport
International streaming (outside NZ only) through www.netballpass.com
Injury hit the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel before the ANZ Premiership even began with shooter George Fisher ruled out for her second straight season. The English international suffered a serious knee injury during the 2023 pre-season and continues her rehab.
Coach Reinga Bloxham, who is the only Premiership coach to have been in charge of her team since the start of the league in 2017, has however been able to call on a familiar face in Jennifer O’Connell and her return, along with the return of Shannon Saunders and defender Taneisha Fifita, will be something of a reunion for the players from the Deep South.
Underestimating this side is something opponents have done to their detriment in the past and an experienced Trident Homes Tactix team will know they will need to be at their best to start their campaign with a win. Captain Kimiora Poi will celebrate her 100th national league match joining team-mates Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Jane Watson, Erikana Pedersen and Karin Burger in the centurion club.
It is a settled line-up for the Tactix although watch out for the impact that Pedersen makes when she ends her brief retirement by returning to the red-and-black dress. The midcourter’s experience, calming presence and leadership qualities will be a huge boost to the Tactix frontline.