Bolstering the Pulse midcourt ranks for 2026, Emma Thompson is grateful for another opportunity after a run of bad luck on this side of the Tasman. Melbourne-born Thompson, who can cover all three midcourt positions, is a familiar face in New Zealand. The dual passport-holder is a talented all-round athlete having also represented Victoria in athletics and tennis. Playing netball in New Zealand was always part of her plan, making her initial move in 2020 when selected for the Northern Marvels in the National Netball League (NNL). That was cut short due to Covid-19 and on returning to Australia, she took up a development opportunity with the NSW Premier League and the Giants Academy team. With both her parents born in New Zealand and never losing sight of wanting to come back for netball, Thompson joined the Tactix as a training partner in 2023 while playing for Mainland in the NNL. She was well on her way when gaining a full contract with the Stars in 2024 but a serious pre-season concussion ruled her out for weeks and shortly after returning to the action a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) put the stamp on a harrowing season. Now, there’s a sense of unfinished business.
