2025 ANZ Premiership Previews – Round Two

Take a look at the three match-ups coming in Round 2 of the 2025 ANZ Premiership.

Saturday, 17 May

Mystics v Pulse, 4pm at The Trusts Arena in Auckland

Talking points:

• A huge match-up in a repeat of last year’s ANZ Premiership Grand Final.  Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse were dominant in their season opener and may have found a secret super shot weapon in goal attack Amorangi Malesala.  The former Magic training partner, who was called late into the Pulse side as injury cover, landed four out of her six attempts in the two-point zone last week and looks confident at range.
  
  
• All of the off-season talk for the MG Mystics was around the departure of Grace Nweke, but the defending champions have been hit hard in the defensive end as well (Phoenix Karaka welcomed her second child while Carys Stythe moved south) and plenty rides on the young shoulders of Catherine Hall this week against a smart Pulse attacking unit.  Hall was slow to start last week but finished the game with six gains for her side and needs a big game for her team to shut down Pulse shooter Amelia Walmsley.
  
  
• She may have lost her regular target under the post, but Peta Toeava showed last week her feeding ability remains just as potent as she eyes up a super link with shooter Donnell Wallam.  Toeava put in a massive 47 feeds into the shooting circle (including 35 goal assists) last week but how easy will she find it this week against the Pulse’s international pairing of Kelly Jackson Parris Mason – the latter particularly impressive when hunting the ball.

 Final thought:

“They’re going to be good, they’re going to be tough.  I watched them and they are slick so we know we’ve got to sharpen up in some areas, but I think we’ll go toe-to-toe with them so, may the best team win.” – Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson looking ahead to their clash with the Pulse this week.

Stars v Tactix, 4pm at Pulman Arena in Auckland

Talking points:

• The GoMedia Stars medical team will be kept busy this week following a torrid opening round which has left a question mark over Greer Sinclair’s season (knee), while defender Kate Burley also carried off injured and Charlie Bell leaving late in the game with what looked like an ankle injury – the latter likely to be back for this week’s game against the Tactix however.  With Mila Reuelu-Buchanan still on managed minutes in her return from injury and Samon Nathan sitting out the first match with a knee injury, the emergency phone-calls for replacements will need to be made.
  
  
• Will new Tactix recruit Martina Salmon get the nod for a starting shooting spot this week after making a difference to the scoreboard when she was injected into the game.  The Tactix should hold a height advantage in the shooting circle and can make the Stars pay if their feeders can find their targets.  New Stars coach Temepara Bailey will be sweating on the fitness of Burley who brings a wealth of experience into the defensive circle.
  
  
• Tactix captain Erikana Pedersen emphasised the need to keep the foot to the pedal after netting maximum points in their opening match, despite a slow start.  “We know that it’s two rounds so we knew that we needed to be on right from the start,” she said.  “It took us a long time to get into the game. I think our defence really picked up and on attack we were clinical and driving the lines really well.”

Final thought:

“It’s actually really heartbreaking.  It shows how much emotion, how much it’s bigger than the game – these are our sisters, these are our friends.  I’ve been around for 10 years, and I’ve never been in a game like this, to have played out your whole bench and left with just seven players.” – an emotional Stars captain Maia Wilson talks about the loss of key players to injury after their season opener.

Magic v Steel, 7pm at Globox Arena in Hamilton

Talking points:

• AVIS Magic will have been disappointed with their first up efforts after what had been a promising preseason.  Victory at home is imperative to stay in touch with the competition frontrunners and playing at home is an advantage they need to benefit from.  The first and third quarters really hurt the Magic last week, but young shooter Kate Taylor showed promise in her first outing of the season and is a strong target in the circle.
  
  
• Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel defender Carys Stythe made an immediate impact for her new team with six gains in her debut for the side.  Her long reach was troublesome and Stythe showed she’s not afraid to hunt for ball with nine deflections.  The quick shooter to shooter play between Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Saviour Tui is an area the Steel defender will be keen to shut down.
  
  
• Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn held the upper hand for much of their match over the Tactix defence but must be wary of catching the eye of the umpire after finding herself suspended for two minutes last week.  She is their main target and netted all 32 of her attempts at one-point goals while netting three valuable super shots – her match-up with Erena Mikaere will be one to watch.

Final thought:

“When Wendy asked me would this be an opportunity I would take, I’d do anything for this team.  Putting the dress on for five or 10 minutes, I’d do it all over again.” – Steel assistant coach Liana Leota not closing the door on making another appearance for the team if needed.