Young talent on show in ANZ Premiership

Falkner, Metuarau, Sokolich-Beatson, Erwood – these are just some of the young players making a name for themselves in the ANZ Premiership.

A host of youngsters have burst onto the scene, and with Netball World Youth Cup Gaborone 2017(NWYC2017) only a few months away – the future is looking bright.

NZU21 coach Kiri Wills says it has been fantastic seeing the athletes progress from the Beko Netball League and step into their roles in the ANZ Premiership.

“The ANZ Premiership is giving these athletes experience against some of the world’s best netballers,” Wills said.

“We have NZU21 defenders having to deal with Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, Maria Tutaia and Bailey Mes and we also have shooters having to shoot over the likes of Anna Harrison and Katrina Grant.

“The public have been really supportive of them and it’s great we have some fresh faces on court.”

SKYCITY Mystics defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson is one player who is enjoying regular court time.

“I’ve been training really hard. Helene [Wilson] and Jenny-May [Clarkson], plus Kiri [Wills] my U21s coach are great so I feel that all the momentum is growing and I’ve built each week,” Sokolich-Beatson said.

“Fitness plays a massive part; I put in a lot of effort in the pre-season to ensure that I was ready come Round 1.”

Likewise, Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel defender Abby Erwood came on in the final quarter of their victory over the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse on Monday night and played a key role.

“It’s been really good getting out there and hitting the court. I feel like my game is improving every week,” Erwood said.

“I’m trying to tweak little things, and my team-mates are giving me plenty of advice and support. Getting more ball is my main goal as well as doing more on attack.”