2025 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round Ten

Take a look at the three match-ups coming in Round 10 of the 2025 ANZ Premiership.

Saturday, 12 July

Magic v Pulse, 4pm at Mercury Bay Park Arena in Tauranga

Talking points:

•  The equation is simple for Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse – win against AVIS Magic in Tauranga this weekend to lock in their play-off position with a trip to either Auckland or Christchurch for an Elimination Final.  Anything less and the calculators may be needed determine whether they can extend their season and push to become the first team to win the ANZ Premiership title for the fourth time.
  
  
• Adversity is when the Pulse reach deep to produce their best and it was no different last week when they were missing a number of front-line players in what was a must-win against the Stars.  But Amorangi Malesala and Laura Balmer both stepped up to the plate and played their parts.  All eyes are on Parris Mason and how the defender recovers from a nasty fall last week which saw her leave the game in the second quarter.
  
  
•  “Not enough of the good stuff.” Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa was straight to the point in summing up their result against the Tactix and a general break down of their season.  There’s no doubting the Magic’s prowess when it comes to nailing the new super shot period this year – sinking seven two-pointers last week – but getting a full 60-minute performance is something Araroa is desperate to see as they aim to finish their season with “pride and urgency”.

Final thought:

The Magic have the firepower to knock over the Pulse and will have the backing of a sold-out Mercury Bay Park Arena.  But they need all areas of the court to step up at the same time – the shooting circle finding their feet in recent weeks, Claire O’Brien on the mark with her ball delivery into her shooters last week and the defence set to farewell Georgia Tong who this week announced her retirement from the game.

Mystics v Tactix, 4pm at The Trust Arena in Auckland

Talking points:

• Hosting rights for the ANZ Premiership Grand Final are up for grabs when the Mystics host the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix in Auckland.  They sit in the box seat and are two points clear of the Tactix on the points ladder, with a home crowd another tick in their favour having kept a clean sheet on their own turf.
  
  
• The Mystics boast the best defensive record in the league which is not surprising given goal keeper Catherine Hall is in the top two for defensive rebounds, intercepts and deflections and has experienced heads Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Holly Rae by her side.  They will need to limit the workload of Tactix goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit who led her team with feeds, goal assists and centre pass receives when they met in Round 4 in Rangiora.
  
  
• Watch the match-up in the Mystics’ shooting circle between Donnell Wallam and Jane Watson.  The Mystics were without Wallam the last time these two teams met – an 11-point win to the Tactix in May – and the strong holding shooter will be up against Watson for the first time this season.  The former Silver Fern defender has featured for the Tactix in recent rounds but will be relying on her outside defenders to sever the links between Peta Toeava and Wallam.

Final thought:

The Tactix have never hosted a Grand Final and they have already shown this season how good they are at home with a faultless record in front of their fans.  It’s going to take everything they’ve got to topple this Mystics unit but the lure of bringing the Big Dance to their home crowd could be enough to get them across the line.  For Tactix host the Grand Final they will need to beat the Mystics at home and by at least 6 goals in order to not allow Mystics to get a bonus point.

Steel v Stars, 7.30pm at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill

Talking points:

• Don’t be surprised if Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel coach Wendy Frew has already sent a message through to the Magic camp, wishing them a hearty win in their last outing of the season.  The Steel’s fate lies in the hands of the Magic and if they are able to upset the form books with a win over the Pulse, then the southerners remain in the chase for a playoffs spot.  If the Magic pull off the upset of the season, by more than five points, then the Steel must beat Go Media Stars to progress.
  
  
• It has been something of a rollercoaster ride for Steel fans this season and they must be ruing the shorter league as their team hits it’s straps late in the piece. They pushed the table-topping Mystics all the way last week and it was only a superior final super shot period that got the northerners across the line.  Plenty of stand outs across the board this season including Carys Stythe, Kimiora Poi and Aliyah Dunn for the Steel.
  
  
• They may only have the one win next to their name this season, but the Stars still have cause to celebrate the little goals – the return of Mila Reuelu-Buchanan to the midcourt a big plus and the promise of defender Lili Tokaduadua a good sign for the future.  While the result has no bearing on their season, the Stars will no doubt be looking to improve on the 16-goal loss they suffered to the Steel in Round 6.

Final thought:

The Steel will know going into this match whether they are still in with a shot at the playoffs – regardless, they will be looking to finish the regular season well in front of their home fans and give new coach Wendy Frew a fitting end to her first campaign in charge.