2026 ANZ Premiership team talking points
As at Friday 29 August
There has been plenty of player movement ahead of the 2026 ANZ Premiership, and as the contracting window draws to a close, we take a closer look at some of the biggest and most game-changing shifts shaking up the competition.
Shooters’ shuffle
There will be a twinkle in the eye of Stars coach Temepara Bailey after securing the services of Silver Ferns shooter Amelia Walmsley – a big name in a shuffle of shooters around the country.
The Howick College product is coming full circle in a return to the purple dress, having been a part of the Comets in the National Netball League under the watchful eye of Bailey.
She made her ANZ Premiership debut in 2021 for the Tactix before moving to the Pulse and now gets an opportunity to head home where she is likely to team up with another new recruit in Martina Salmon.
Predominantly playing in the goal shooter role with the Tactix this season, Salmon could be making the move to a new team to consolidate her role in the goal attack bib and joining Walmsley in the shooting circle adds plenty of intrigue to the Stars scoring end.
A notable omission in the shooting circle is the departure of foundation member Maia Wilson who heads across the city to take up a position with the Mystics.
The former Silver Fern has made a bold move to blue for the 2026 season as she searches for a clean start and will join Filda Vui in the circle along with Sophia Lafaiali’l, who earns her first full contract with the side.
Not ready to retire, Wilson admitted that while she made herself unavailable for the Silver Ferns this year, she needed a “breather” and wanted a chance to “refresh” with a shift to the Mystics.
Ready to focus solely on her role as a scorer, the 52-test cap Fern is excited about pulling on new colours for the new season.
Karaka returns to elite netball
After the birth of her second child, defender Phoenix Karaka has confirmed she is keen to return to elite netball and will be back in the Mystics defensive line.
The 1.86m former Silver Fern defender will bring the experience following the departure of Holly Rae and joins what looks like a formidable circle including Catherine Hall and Charlotte Manley.
She picked up the commentary mic this season but will swap it for the blue dress bringing plenty of leadership to a young defensive circle.
The Mystics have also confirmed a rock-solid midcourt with Michaela Sokolich-Beatson leading the way alongside Peta Toeava, Tayla Earle and Katie Te Ao and must enter the season as one of the favourites.
Title defence challenge
It took 28 long years for the Mainland to bring elite spoils to the region with the Donna Wilkins-coached Tactix winning the ANZ Premiership for the first time this year.
But Wilkins’ team had key losses at both ends of the court – shifts across the Tasman, retirement and in Paris Lokotui’s case, switching to a different code.
The Tactix fans, should take some comfort in knowing that the next level down, the Mainland National Netball League (NNL) side, won their domestic league this year and no doubt players have caught the eye of a coach, Wilkins, who loves a challenge.
Those backing the red-and-black can be reassured that the pull of Wilkins’ coaching pedigree and eye for talent will lure a spirited group to boost the launch of their title defence.
Feeling the Pulse
Pulse supporters will know just how the Tactix are feeling – their own heartrates tested following the loss of a number of key players and no new signings yet announced for the coming season.
In a nod to their development pathways, the Pulse have many gaps to fill after the loss of several frontline players in the off-season. But with a strong history at NNL level through their sister team Manawa and at the elite level, the yellow and blacks can be expected to front with a competitive line-up.
With the opportunity for two imports, a pinch of local talent and casting the net far and wide, the Pulse could spring several surprises in their mix of up-and-comers and experienced campaigners.
Steady as she goes
Both the Steel and Magic look to have the core of their squads secured with plenty of stability in their teams.
Largely unscathed by big-name departures – Kate Heffernan (Steel) and Ameliaranne Ekenasio (Magic) – the coaches have been able to steady the ship by securing a number of this year’s players to bring much needed continuity to their campaigns.
Kimiora Poi, Carys Stythe, Georgia Heffernan and Aliyah Dunn are important signings in the Deep South with Serena Daunakamakama retained and Lili Munro-Nonoa also getting a full contract this year.
The Magic can again call on the experience of Erena Mikaere along with Georgie Edgecombe, Saviour Tui, Ali Wilshier, Oceane Maihi, Kate Taylor, and the return of Ariana Cable-Dixon while Kaiya Kepa, who will step up from training partner to fully contracted player. Kepa was recently named in the New Zealand U21 team to contest September’s World Youth Cup.
Seasoned combinations could be the difference for these teams as they search for a top three finish.