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2025 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round One

May 9, 2025
2025 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round One
 

Take a look at the opening match-ups of the 2025 ANZ Premiership.

Saturday, 10 May

Pulse v Magic, 4pm at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North

Talking points:

  • Every moment matters – two rounds of the ANZ Premiership in 2025 means that each time teams step out on court, it will be imperative to make it count.  Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse and AVIS Magic will be the first to put their preseason efforts to the test in what will be a fascinating first up clash.

  • The Magic were pipped for a Finals Series spot last season but now have experienced combinations across the court.  Georgie Edgecombe was one to really stamp her authority on the midcourt last year and look out for her partnership with the cool head of Claire O’Brien who has an uncanny link with captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio for feeds into the shooting circle.

  • Injury has again hampered the Pulse’s preseason efforts with shooter Khiarna Williams’ unlucky run continuing after being ruled out for the early rounds of the season with a shoulder injury.  Her temporary replacement, Magic training partner Amorangi Malesala is no slouch to pick up the shooting duties if called upon.  The midcourt has also seen former Australian Diamond Gabi Simpson brought in for her experience to cover the absence of Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness who are both following return to play programmes.  Will the midcourt be the area where the Magic can get the upper hand over their opponent?

Final thought:

Will the visitors get up over their hosts in the season opener, with their experienced, settled line-up a big advantage, or will the late arrival of Simpson into the Pulse midcourt swing the match in favour of last year’s Grand Finalists?

Sunday, 11 May

Mystics v Stars, 4pm at Event Finda Stadium in Auckland

Talking points:

  • It’s hard to go past the departure of Grace Nweke from the MG Mystics and what it will mean to the defending champions hopes of securing a second straight ANZ Premiership.  Recruiting Australian shooter Donnell Wallam will go some way to plugging that hole and she already looks to have established links with key feeder Peta Toeava.  Teamed up with Filda Vui and Hannah Glen, the Mystics shooting circle remains a real threat.

  • The Stars have recruited well with midcourters Greer Sinclair and new mum Samon Nathan returning to the purple dress, while the height of Australian Charlie Bell in the shooting circle is another bonus.  Bell’s inclusion will mean Maia Wilson could ply her trade in the goal attack bib more often this season, something which could benefit her international game as well.

  • Two tall targets in respective shooting circles but who will step up with the new two-point goal coming into play for the first time in Premiership history.  How both coaches – including newcomer Temepara Bailey – change their strategies for this point scoring innovation will be an area to watch.  Which shooter will find their long range radar when it counts?

Final thought:

All eyes are on how the Mystics will perform without their shooting maestro and what Wallam can bring to the table.

Tactix v Steel, 7pm at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch

Talking points:

  • Watch the coaching boxes this weekend with two of New Zealand’s netball greats suiting up for their time in the hot seat.  Donna Wilkins and Wendy Frew will guide the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix and Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel respectively for the first time in the ANZ Premiership and their coaching credentials will come under scrutiny as they clash in the opening round.

  • The Tactix must remain one of the favourites in the ANZ Premiership but keep a close eye on their midcourt.  Losing Kimiora Poi and Greer Sinclair in the middle are big blows for the Mainlanders and they’ve opted for youth in Parris Petera who makes a return to the Tactix after a season with the Pulse and Holly Mather shifting south.

  • Aliyah Dunn was in some of her best form during preseason last year, but injury heading into the Premiership robbed her of the chance to showcase her skills.  Back home in Steel territory, Dunn will be keen to recapture the form which saw her win three Premiership titles in Pulse colours and she will be a key target for the Steel.  Watch out for her match-up with Tactix defender Jane Watson.

Final thought:

The Steel’s recruitment drive was impressive, and, on paper, they have a unit which should have them in the reckoning for a Finals spot.  But they have just two rounds to ensure their combinations are on point – will they hit the ground running in Christchurch?