The Tactix can take much satisfaction from a very successful 2020 campaign, continuing to build a formidable team while making big strides along the way. The addition of shooter Te Paea SelbyRickit provided the impetus at the attacking end while captain Jane Watson (the ANZ Premiership Player of the Year) was the inspiration. For the first time, the Tactix won six games in a row during the season and made the Grand Final for the first time, so there’s plenty to be positive about for the future. A rejuvenated Northern Mystics were well in the hunt to clinch a spot in the Grand Final for much of the season but faded at crucial times. Leading an inexperienced teenage trio under the hoop, outstanding young shooter Grace Nweke carried a big load with all the poise of a seasoned professional. At the other end, the defensive combination of Phoenix Karaka and Sulu Fitzpatrick were a devastating duo. The Mystics have set a strong foundation going forward. The Robinhood Stars had their moments too and were very competitive in most outings. Shooter Maia Wilson, once again, was as solid as a rock under the hoop – her
movement, variety and accuracy adding to her game. Long-limbed defender Kate Burley continued to impress with her ability to generate turnover ball and midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan had an outstanding season as well. Enduring the most travel of all the teams, the Southern Steel were also the unluckiest team, their shooting end being decimated by serious injury. Within a short space of time, the southerners lost shooters Georgia Heffernan and Jennifer O’Connell to season-ending knee injuries. As is their way, the Steel battled on bravely, securing morale-boosting results against the odds with the experienced heads of Shannon Saunders, Gina Crampton and Te Huinga Selby-Rickit setting the tone with reliable support from Trinidad and Tobago’s shooting import Kalifa McCollin. With Australian shooting import Georgia Marshall unable to return to New Zealand because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Magic struggled with their attacking depth under the hoop. Captain Sam Winders was an influential figure while defender Georgia Tong, in her first season, showed plenty of promise for the future. The Magic had their moments but lack of consistency was their major downfall. It is a credit to the wider team of NNZ staff, bench officials, umpires, volunteers and all the personnel involved with the teams for the sacrifices they made in ensuring we had a season at all. In the face of adversity, it was a glowing endorsement of our people and the result was an outstanding showcase of Netball.
1st: Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse 2nd: The Good Oil Tactix 3rd: Northern Mystics 4th: Robinhood Stars 5th: Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel 6th: Splice Construction Magic
ANZ Premiership Player of the Year: Jane Watson ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year: Yvette McCausland-Durie ANZ Premiership Umpire of the Year: Josh Bowring
Teams NORTHERN MYSTICS
TE WĀNANGA O RAUKAWA PULSE
Tayla Earle Courtney Elliot Sulu Fitzpatrick Asher Grapes Dani Gray Emma Iversen Phoenix Karaka Grace Nweke Peta Toeava Saviour Tui Coach: Helene Wilson
Karin Burger Aliyah Dunn Ameliaranne Ekenasio Maddy Gordon Kelly Jury Claire Kersten Tiana Metuarau Katrina Rore Renee Savai’inaea Elle Temu Coach: Yvette McCausland-Durie
ROBINHOOD STARS
THE GOOD OIL TACTIX
Kate Burley Jamie Hume Fa’amu Ioane Grace Kara
Ellie Bird Charlotte Elley Temalisi Fakahokotau Sophia Fenwick
Vika Koloto Lisa Mather Storm Purvis Mila Reuelu-Buchanan Daystar Swift* Maia Wilson Coach: Kiri Wills
Samon Nathan Erikana Pedersen Kimiora Poi Jess Prosser Te Paea Selby-Rickit Jane Watson Coach: Marianne Delaney-Hoshek
SPLICE CONSTRUCTION WBOP MAGIC
ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL
Ariana Cable-Dixon Holly Fowler Abigail Latu-Meafou Georgia Marshall* Kelsey McPhee Erena Mikaere Jenna O’Sullivan Whitney Souness Georgia Tong
Kendall Corkery Gina Crampton Abby Erwood Taneisha Fifita Georgia Heffernan Kate Heffernan Kalifa McCollin* Jennifer O’Connell Shannon Saunders Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit Coach: Reinga Bloxham
Sam Winders Coach: Amigene Metcalfe
ANZ PREMIERSHIP
Rising young midcourt dynamo Maddy Gordon was a shining light in a classy Pulse line-up to scoop the Most Valued Player award, while it was a fitting sendoff for coach Yvette McCausland-Durie after guiding the team to two titles and four finals during her four years at the helm. The popular mentor was named the ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year.
* Import player
We live this game.
Netball New Zealand Annual Report 2020
37
