2015
NETBALL YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE 2015 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP
See inside for details on the exciting new Conference and Finals Series structure.
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
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CONTENTS & CREDITS
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE 2015 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP
04 SKYCITY MYSTICS 06 KIA WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY MAGIC 09 MOJO PULSE 11 MAINLAND TACTIX 13 ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL 14 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 DRAW 16-17 MISSION QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS 18 INTRODUCTION & COMPETITION FORMAT
MANAGING EDITOR Oliver Lee
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANZ Championship Communications team
PROOFREADING Elise McDowell
PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Bradley
DESIGN
ONTIME ASSOCIATES LIMITED
PRINTER
Webstar, Masterton
PUBLISHER
Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand T: +64-9-486 6966 E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz W: oliverlee.co.nz
WEST COAST FEVER 20-21 ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
22
MELBOURNE VIXENS
25
NSW SWIFTS 26 NETBALL WORLD CUP 2015
29
COPYRIGHT Reproduction in whole or part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.
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REVITALISING CHANGES AHEAD THE ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP IS UNDERGOING A VIBRANT TRANSFORMATION AS WE ENTER THE EIGHTH SEASON OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST NETBALL LEAGUE. At the end of the 2014 season the TTNL Board approved the introduction of Australian and New Zealand Conferences with five teams in each, opening the way for an expanded Finals Series. The introduction of the Challenge Trophy is another exciting initiative added to the regular season and supports our ambition of establishing a long and proud tradition into the future.
ANDY CROOK, ANZC GENERAL MANAGER
Our broadcast partners in Australia and New Zealand play a significant role in the success of this league and we are looking forward to another great year of netball coverage from SKY Television in New Zealand. The league is also thrilled to have signed a new two-year deal in Australia with FOX SPORTS and Network Ten. Special thanks also to NZME. for continuing its radio coverage through Radio Sport.
The support of our corporate partner ANZ and sponsors Holden (NZ), The Hits, SKY Sport, Jenny Craig, Gilbert, Asics, San Remo, Scody, STA Travel, Chemist Warehouse, Telstra (Australia), Foxtel (Australia) and Australia Post (Australia) has been critical to the success of the competition. We hope you enjoy the eighth edition of the ANZ Championship magazine which will be distributed to 250,000 homes across New Zealand on Friday next 27 February 2015. Thank you for your continued support.
ANDREW CROOK General Manager, ANZ Championship, TTNL Limited
NEW FORMAT FOR THE 2015 SEASON The Australian and New Zealand Conferences will now have their own league ladders throughout the regular season. Points accumulated during the season will contribute towards individual Conference ladders. A guaranteed six teams, three from the Australian and New Zealand Conferences will progress to a restructured post-season competition where a Conference Champion will be crowned before the ANZ Championship Final Series begins. The top three teams from each Conference will qualify to contest Conference Finals. Despite the move towards Conferences, this year’s season format will remain the same as in the previous seven seasons. Each team will play every other team within their Conference both home and away; along with one game against the five Tasman rivals either at home or away, alternating each year. Each team will play 13 games, eight games within their own Conference; five games against the other Conference. The two finalists from each of the Australian and New Zealand Conference Finals will progress to a trans-Tasman ANZ Championship Semi-Finals where the two Conference Champions will host the losers of the rival Conference Final for a berth in the ANZ Championship Grand Final. The winner of the Grand Final will be crowned champions of the ANZ Championship.
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 4
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SEASON START CRUCIAL FOR MYSTICS CONFIDENCE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE IN THE PAST FOR THE SKYCITY MYSTICS, SO SECURING WINS IN THIS SEASON’S FIRST THREE GAMES, PLAYED AWAY FROM HOME, WILL BE VITAL.
NADIA LOVEDAY
TEAM SKYCITY MYSTICS Netball Zone: Northern
Coach: Debbie Fuller
Captain: Maria Tutaia
2014 Finish: Seventh place
Team List: Elsa Brown Katherine Coffin Kayla Cullen Temalisi Fakahokotau Paula Griffin Serena Guthrie (ENG) Laura Langman Cathrine Latu Camilla Lees Nadia Loveday Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick Maria Tutaia
Online: facebook.com/ northernmystics @northernmystics
@northernmystics
Contact:
The Trusts Arena, 65 - 67 Central Park Dr, Henderson, Auckland 0610
MYSTICS CAPTAIN MARIA TUTAIA
HOME AND AWAY: Last season, the SKYCITY Mystics campaign started with three consecutive losses, and the team never quite regained their confidence. This year, coach Debbie Fuller will need to rally her troops with three away-games to kick-start the season, against the Mainland Tactix, West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds. The Mystics’ winning record in Australia has room for improvement and, surprisingly, the only team they’ve never beaten, either home or away, in seven years of competition is the Mission Queensland Firebirds. SIDELINE VIEW: The Mystics boast nine current or former international players in their team of 12 this season, but as history tells us, impressive credentials and stats mean nothing if the team can’t convert that to winning performances on court. The Mystics need to gel as a unit in 2015 and we saw glimpses of what they’re capable of towards the end of 2014.
LAURA LANGMAN
is, overall, a remarkable line-up that includes young Ferns defenders Temalisi Fakahokotau and Kayla Cullen. WHO’S HOT: One of the most exciting additions to the Mystics roster for 2015 is import player Serena Guthrie. The England international is a feisty yet dynamic athlete, and she is sure to add spice to the midcourt mix. Guthrie is versatile and not afraid to make her presence known, and always has an eye on the intercept. The 25-year-old has trained with the Mystics in the past and will be a key performer for the team in 2015. TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Debbie Fuller says there’s always room for improvement in the SKYCITY Mystics team. “No-one in my team is the complete netballer. Everyone needs to rejuvenate and learn new things. I’m confident that mind-set will be at the forefront with this team. You have to be hunting, you can’t stand still.”
Losing import player Julie Corletto in the off-season was a blow for the Mystics, but they’ve recruited well in attracting young England international Serena Guthrie. Former Silver Ferns defender Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick is back after a season out of the game, and the recruitment of Silver Ferns squad member Camilla Lees will add even more experience to the already impressive midcourt line-up – a problem area in previous years. Katherine Coffin and Elsa Brown round out the newbies for the Mystics in what
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 6
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MAGIC SET TO KEEP UP FINALS RUN KEEPING THE CORE OF THE TEAM TOGETHER FOR THIS SEASON WAS KEY FOR COACH JULIE FITZGERALD, AND SHE IS HOPEFUL THAT MAINTAINING TEAM UNITY WILL TRANSLATE TO COHESIVE ON-COURT PERFORMANCES.
MAGIC FANS IN ACTION
TEAM MAGIC CAPTAIN CASEY KOPUA
HOME AND AWAY: Kia Magic’s opening clash is in Adelaide against the Thunderbirds followed by home games against the NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens, so they won’t have time to be complacent following pre-season warm-up matches. A major strength of the Magic is their team unity both on and off the court – something coach Julie Fitzgerald has fostered since last season, and she’ll be planning for that to translate into wins as they work as a cohesive unit. SIDELINE VIEW: Kia Magic are the only team in ANZ Championship history to make the Finals Series every year since the inception of the league in 2008. However, with the new Finals Series format, and the introduction of a New Zealand Conference, the Magic can afford to take a few more risks in 2015 and blood some of their newer players, especially in the absence of inspirational captain Casey Kopua. It is unlikely Kopua will make an appearance on court this season as she continues to rehabilitate from a serious knee injury. No matter whether Fitzgerald takes that approach, Magic do have solid combinations throughout the court and a dominant shooting end. Kia Magic are odds on favourites to continue their impressive Final Series run into 2015 and, like all New Zealand teams, they need to learn to win consistently on Australian soil. Fitzgerald says the focus of the team is simple. “The main aims of the Kia Magic franchise will be to continue to develop a world-class high-performance environment
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
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Waikato /Bay of Plenty
in which our athletes will be given every opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Coach:
WHO’S HOT: Twenty-year-old shooter Malia Paseka is one of the Magic’s secret weapons in the attacking circle, but will need court time to advance her game at ANZ Championship level. Vying for a spot on the court against shooting incumbents Jo Harten and Ellen Halpenny, Paseka has her work cut-out in the pre-season, needing to illustrate to Fitzgerald that she is a true starting contender. Paseka is blessed with soft hands, is strong under the high ball and is not afraid to shoot from distance, all attributes which saw her selected to play for the FAST5 Ferns at last year’s FAST5 Netball World Series. TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Julie Fitzgerald says it was vital to keep the core of the team together for the 2015 season. “After so many changes to our roster in 2014, I am happy that we have been able to maintain the majority of our team. We have much to achieve and I believe we built a solid basis for this to carry forward to 2015.”
KIA MAGIC Netball Zone:
Julie Fitzgerald
Captain: Casey Kopua
2014 Finish: Third place
Team List: Aisha Bower Leana de Bruin Ellen Halpenny Jo Harten (ENG) Kelly Jury Casey Kopua Kristiana Manu’a Malia Paseka Jamie-Lee Price Grace Rasmussen Samantha Sinclair Courtney Tairi Jo Trip
Online: facebook.com/ WBOPMagic @WBOPMagic @WBOPMagic
Contact:
Brian Perry Sports House, Wintec Rotokauri Campus, Akoranga Road, Hamilton 3200
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 9
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EXPECTATIONS HIGH FOR PULSE THIS SEASON, MOJO PULSE WILL NEED TO ADDRESS THEIR TRAVELLING RECORD. THEY ARE YET TO WIN A GAME IN AUSTRALIA, AND CONQUERING THIS WILL BE KEY TO THEIR 2015 SUCCESS.
PULSE CAPTAIN KATRINA GRANT
IRENE VAN DYK
JOLINE HENRY
MOJO PULSE
HOME AND AWAY: On paper, Mojo Pulse should be Finals Series contenders in 2015, as they have the calibre of players to defeat any team in the competition on any given day. In previous seasons the Pulse have made major strides forward but have been stymied by their travelling record – winning just nine of 46 matches on the road in seven seasons. They are yet to record their maiden win in Australia, something which must be a key focus for coach Robyn Broughton.
WHO’S HOT: Rookie Silver Fern Ameliaranne Wells has never played for a New Zealand team in the ANZ Championship; she had four seasons with the Firebirds but she only took the court 13 times.
SIDELINE VIEW: The Pulse’s shooting end, with Irene van Dyk, Jodi Brown and Ameliaranne Wells, is one of the strongest in the league, coupled with a versatile and talented midcourt and an experienced defensive end anchored by captain Katrina Grant. Expectations are high for this team, but the question remains: Can they deliver consistent enough performances on both sides of the Tasman to etch their names in the annals of ANZ Championship history?
Hungry for court time and playing alongside some of the best (there are seven other current or former international players in the Pulse line-up), this is a big opportunity for Wells to impress on the ANZ Championship stage and cement her spot in the Ferns for the upcoming Netball World Cup and beyond.
Their 2015 campaign starts off with a daunting assignment against defending champions the Melbourne Vixens in Melbourne on March 1, followed by the Queensland Firebirds in round two. It doesn’t get much tougher than that for a team with everything to prove.
“I don’t think there’s any one single challenge, every week’s a challenge and that is the beauty of the competition and it’s keeping the competition alive. I’m expecting big things from all of the teams and I think most of the other coaches are too.”
Broughton says competition between the teams gets harder every year. “We’re all looking forward to it and I think that every year it gets more exciting, more competitive and scores are closer so we’ve got to have a big edge on everybody to get there.”
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
TEAM Netball Zone: Central
Coach:
Robyn Broughton
Following her rapid elevation into the Silver Ferns for the 2014/2015 international season, Wells showed enough to get excited about. Her playing style is not unlike Maria Tutaia, and she’s mobile around the attacking circle enabling valuable space to open up.
Captain: Katrina Grant
2014 Finish: Sixth place
Team List:
TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Robyn Broughton says the Pulse have to keep improving throughout the season to make the Conference Finals and beyond.
Ama Agbeze (ENG) Jessica Bourke Jodi Brown Katrina Grant Joline Henry Liana Leota Hannah Poff Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit Elias Shadrock Whitney Souness Irene van Dyk Ameliaranne Wells
Online:
facebook.com/ NetballPulse @PulseNetball @PulseNetball
Contact:
ASB Sports Centre Level 1, 72 Kemp St, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 11
NEW LOOK TACTIX QUITE A CHANGE FOR THE MAINLAIND TACTIX IN 2015 WITH NEW COACHES, NEW PLAYERS AND A NEW ATTITUDE. THEIR SHOOTING CIRCLE SHOULD BE ONE TO WATCH.
MWAI KUMWENDA
KESHIA GRANT
HOME AND AWAY: The Mainland Tactix have a great opportunity to start their 2015 ANZ Championship campaign with a bang, as their first five matches of the season are against New Zealand opposition who they traditionally fare better against. The South Island town of Blenheim hosts two matches for the first time in 2015, which is an exciting development for the Marlborough region. SIDELINE VIEW: New coach Sue Hawkins will add a distinctly different flavour to the team and introduce new ways of doing things (which paid dividends for the Kia Magic last year under new coach Julie Fitzgerald). Their pre-season form has been encouraging, which bodes well for a promising season ahead. It’s a new era for the team with new head and assistantcoaches and four new players added to the squad of 12. The Tactix have recruited some talented young guns – Gemma Hazeldine and Erikana Pedersen are eager for court time and they join Chloe Williamson (a late addition to the squad after a season-ending injury to Nicola Mackle), Keshia Grant and Hayley Saunders in the contest for midcourt spots. Star shooter Mwai Kumwenda is back for another season, paired in the shooting circle with Silver Fern Bailey Mes who changes tack after years with the SKYCITY Mystics. Defensively, the return of Demelza Fellowes is an exciting development for the team. Hawkins says working as a team unit will be vital.
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
TACTIX CAPTAIN ANNA THOMPSON
“We intend to draw on everyone’s skills and experiences to bring out a team which is skilled in all areas of the court and no stone will be left unturned.” WHO’S HOT: Quite simply, Bailey Mes is a quality netballer who needs court time in the shooting circle to perfect her craft. After four seasons with the Mystics, Mes has made the move south, selected as a specialist shooter. She was spotted by national selectors and was a shock inclusion in the Silver Ferns in 2012, but sat out the 2013 international season due to a major knee injury. A clear focus on shooting under pressure will see Bailey take her game the next level, and paired with Mwai Kumwenda in attack, who knows what the duo are capable of! TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Sue Hawkins says the Mainland Tactix are ready to hit the ground running in 2015. “This is a new look Tactix team, with new players, new staff and a new attitude. Our intentions are to step up and be a force to be reckoned with.”
TEAM MAINLAND TACTIX Netball Zone: Mainland
Coach:
Sue Hawkins
Captain:
Anna Thompson
2014 Finish: 10th place
Team List: Demelza Fellowes (AUS) Keshia Grant Gemma Hazeldine Mwai Kumwenda (MAL) Bailey Mes Jess Moulds Erikana Pedersen Hayley Saunders Louise Thayer Anna Thompson Zoe Walker Chloe Williamson
Online:
facebook.com/ MainlandTactix @TactixNetball @TactixNetball
Contact:
Apollo Projects Centre, 295B Ilam Road, Christchurch 8053
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 13
STEEL FULL OF YOUTH AND ABILITY 2015 SEES A REVAMP OF THE FINALS SERIES, AND THE STEEL SHOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS CHANGE. A PROMISING YOUNG TEAM WITH UNTAPPED POTENTIAL AND PLENTY OF DEVELOPMENT AHEAD.
TE PAEA SELBY-RICKIT
TEAM ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL Netball Zone: South
Coach:
Janine Southby
Captain:
Wendy Frew
2014 Finish: Fifth place
Team List: Katarina Cooper Gina Crampton Sophia Fenwick Jhaniele Fowler-Reid (JAM) Shannon Francois Wendy Frew Phoenix Karaka Brooke Leaver Stacey Peeters Storm Purvis Te Paea Selby-Rickit Jane Watson
Online:
facebook.com/ SouthernSteel Netball @SteelNetball @SthrnSteel
Contact:
ILT Stadium Southland, Surrey Park Road, Invercargill 9810
STEEL’S CAPTAIN WENDY FREW
JHANIELE FOWLER-REID
HOME AND AWAY: The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel narrowly missed out on a Finals spot in 2014, so the new Finals Series should prove advantageous for the Steel with three New Zealand teams to progress through to the Finals Series. Coach Janine Southby has the players to develop and continue moulding into future stars of the game, but fans may need to be patient as it could take more than one season to see results. “They are a young team but I think their potential is untapped and that’s really exciting from a coaching perspective,” Southby said. “We are under no illusions as to how hard our goal is to achieve and to how tough the competition is.” SIDELINE VIEW: Southby has shown a talent for successfully working with young players. Nine of the 12 Steel players signed for the 2015 season are under 25, and have been pinpointed as some of New Zealand’s most promising prospects on the court. Jhaniele Fowler-Reid is back for her third season with the team and is the linchpin of the shooting end. She’ll be supported by a strong midcourt with the likes of Shannon Francois and the experienced Wendy Frew in the line-up.
SHANNON FRANCOIS
WHO’S HOT: After years of warming the bench for the Steel, the departure of Jodi Brown to the Mojo Pulse has opened the door for Te Paea Selby-Rickit to shine in 2015. The 23-year-old took to the court five times last season for an 80 per cent yield, doing enough for Southby to continue developing the 1.88m-tall shooter. Selby-Rickit’s spot in the starting seven is not guaranteed of course, with two other young shooting talents – Brooke Leaver and Sophia Fenwick – also added to the Steel roster this year. All three will be vying for court time at the Steel with Selby-Rickit the front runner after earning herself a Silver Ferns trial last year. TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Janine Southby says the hardest thing is the pressure the team put on themselves. “Everyone always looks to the stars and predicts those teams will be up there. We know people won’t be picking us, so we have to do the hard yards and get out there and prove them wrong. We have expectations we’re working towards and we will be disappointed if we don’t achieve them.”
The Steel lose 24 years of ANZ Championship experience with the departure of Jodi Brown, Erena Mikaere, Phillipa Finch and Rachel Rasmussen in the off-season. The quartet have been replaced by former Silver Fern Katarina Cooper, shooters Sophia Fenwick and Brooke Leaver and in the defensive end, Jane Watson makes a move south from the Mainland Tactix.
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 14
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ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 DRAW ROUND DAY
DATE
LOCAL TIME HOME TEAM
AWAY TEAM
VENUE
LOCATION
1
Saturday 28 February 1:48pm
Adelaide Thunderbirds WBOP Magic
Netball SA Stadium
Adelaide
Sunday
Queensland Firebirds West Coast Fever
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane
Sunday 01 March
2:18pm
Melbourne Vixens
Central Pulse
Margaret Court Arena
Melbourne
Sunday
01 March
7:10pm
Southern Steel
NSW Swifts
ILT Stadium Southland
Invercargill
Monday
02 March
7:40pm
Mainland Tactix
Northern Mystics
Horncastle Arena
Christchurch
2
Saturday 07 March
4:10pm
Southern Steel
Mainland Tactix
ILT Stadium Southland
Invercargill
Sunday 08 March 11:18am
West Coast Fever
Northern Mystics
HBF Stadium
Perth
Sunday 08 March
12:18pm
Melbourne Vixens
Adelaide Thunderbirds Hisense Arena
Melbourne
Sunday 08 March
7:10pm
Central Pulse
Queensland Firebirds
Te Rauparaha Arena
Porirua
Monday 09 March
7:40pm
WBOP Magic
NSW Swifts
ASB Stadium
Tauranga
3
Saturday 14 March 11:18am
West Coast Fever
Southern Steel
HBF Stadium
Perth
Sunday
15 March 12:18pm
NSW Swifts
Queensland Firebirds
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Sydney
Sunday
15 March
1:48pm
Adelaide Thunderbirds Northern Mystics
Netball SA Stadium
Adelaide
Sunday 15 March
7:10pm
WBOP Magic
Melbourne Vixens
ASB Stadium
Tauranga
Monday
7:40pm
Mainland Tactix
Central Pulse
Horncastle Arena
Christchurch
4
Sunday 22 March 11:48am
Adelaide Thunderbirds Melbourne Vixens
Netball SA Stadium
Adelaide
Sunday 22 March
7:10pm
WBOP Magic
Mainland Tactix
Claudelands Arena
Hamilton
Monday 23 March
7:18pm
NSW Swifts
West Coast Fever
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Sydney
Monday 23 March
7:40pm
Northern Mystics
Central Pulse
The Trusts Arena
Auckland
01 March
16 March
11:18am
BYES: Queensland Firebirds / Southern Steel
5
Sunday 29 March
9:18am
West Coast Fever
Adelaide Thunderbirds HBF Stadium
Perth
Sunday 29 March
7:10pm
Northern Mystics
Southern Steel
The Trusts Arena
Auckland
Monday 30 March
7:18pm
Queensland Firebirds NSW Swifts
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane
Monday 30 March
7:40pm
Central Pulse
TSB Bank Arena
Wellington
WBOP Magic
BYES: Melbourne Vixens / Mainland Tactix
6
Sunday 05 April 12:18pm
Queensland Firebirds Adelaide Thunderbirds Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane
Sunday 05 April
7:10pm
WBOP Magic
Northern Mystics
Energy Events Centre
Rotorua
Monday 06 April
2:18pm
West Coast Fever
Melbourne Vixens
HBF Stadium
Perth
Monday 06 April
7:40pm
Mainland Tactix
Southern Steel
Horncastle Arena
Christchurch
EASTER WEEKEND
7
Saturday 11 April
4:10pm
Sunday 12 April
12:18pm
Sunday 12 April
1:48pm
Sunday
12 April
Monday
13 April
8
BYES: NSW Swifts / Central Pulse Southern Steel
WBOP Magic
ILT Stadium Southland
Invercargill
Melbourne Vixens
Queensland Firebirds
Hisense Arena
Melbourne
Adelaide Thunderbirds NSW Swifts
Netball SA Stadium
Adelaide
7:10pm
Mainland Tactix
West Coast Fever
Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000
Blenheim
7:40pm
Central Pulse
Northern Mystics
TSB Bank Arena
Wellington
Saturday 18 April
2:18pm
Queensland Firebirds WBOP Magic
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane
Sunday 19 April
12:18pm
NSW Swifts
Northern Mystics
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Sydney
Sunday 19 April
2:18pm
Melbourne Vixens
Southern Steel
Hisense Arena
Melbourne
Sunday 19 April
7:10pm
Central Pulse
West Coast Fever
TSB Bank Arena
Wellington
Monday
7:40pm
Mainland Tactix
Adelaide Thunderbirds Horncastle Arena
20 April
Christchurch
Catch all the action of the ANZ Championship live on
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 16
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
ROUND DAY
DATE
LOCAL TIME HOME TEAM
AWAY TEAM
VENUE
LOCATION
9
Saturday 25 April
4:10pm
Central Pulse
NSW Swifts
TSB Bank Arena
Wellington
ANZAC
Sunday 26 April
10:18am
West Coast Fever
WBOP Magic
HBF Stadium
Perth
Hisense Arena
Melbourne
WEEKEND
Sunday
26 April
2:18pm
Melbourne Vixens
Mainland Tactix
Sunday
26 April
7:10pm
Northern Mystics
Queensland Firebirds The Trusts Arena
Auckland
Monday
27 April
7:40pm
Southern Steel
Adelaide Thunderbirds More FM Arena
Dunedin
10
Friday
01 May
7:18pm
West Coast Fever
Queensland Firebirds Perth Arena
Perth
Saturday 02 May
4:10pm
Southern Steel
Central Pulse
More FM Arena
Dunedin
Sunday 03 May
12:18pm
NSW Swifts
Melbourne Vixens
Allphones Arena
Sydney
Sunday 03 May
7:10pm
Northern Mystics
Mainland Tactix
The Trusts Arena
Auckland
BYES: Adelaide Thunderbirds / WBOP Magic Queensland Firebirds Melbourne Vixens
11
Sunday 10 May
12:18pm
Sunday 10 May
2:18pm
NSW Swifts
Adelaide Thunderbirds Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Gold Coast Sydney
Sunday 10 May
7:10pm
WBOP Magic
Southern Steel
Claudelands Arena
Hamilton
Monday 11 May
7:40pm
Central Pulse
Mainland Tactix
Te Rauparaha Arena
Porirua
BYES: West Coast Fever / Northern Mystics Adelaide Thunderbirds Queensland Firebirds Adelaide Arena
Adelaide
Melbourne Vixens
West Coast Fever
Margaret Court Arena
Melbourne
12
Saturday 16 May
7:18pm
Sunday 17 May
12:18pm
Sunday 17 May
2:18pm
NSW Swifts
Mainland Tactix
Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Sydney
Sunday 17 May
7:10pm
Central Pulse
Southern Steel
Arena Manawatu
Palmerston North
Monday
7:40pm
Northern Mystics
WBOP Magic
The Trusts Arena
Auckland
13
Saturday 23 May
4:10pm
Southern Steel
Northern Mystics
Sunday 24 May
11:48am
Sunday 24 May
18 May
ILT Stadium Southland
Invercargill
Adelaide Thunderbirds West Coast Fever
Netball SA Stadium
Adelaide
2:18pm
Melbourne Vixens
NSW Swifts
Margaret Court Arena
Melbourne
Sunday 24 May
7:10pm
Mainland Tactix
Queensland Firebirds Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000
Blenheim
Monday
25 May
7:40pm
WBOP Magic
Central Pulse
Claudelands Arena
Hamilton
14
Saturday 30 May
12:18pm
West Coast Fever
NSW Swifts
Perth Arena / HBF Stadium
Perth
Sunday 31 May
11:48am
Adelaide Thunderbirds Central Pulse
Netball SA Stadium
Adelaide
Sunday 31 May
2:18pm
Queensland Firebirds Southern Steel
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane
Sunday 31 May
7:10pm
Mainland Tactix
WBOP Magic
Horncastle Arena
Christchurch
Monday
7:40pm
Northern Mystics
Melbourne Vixens
The Trusts Arena
Auckland
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND NEW ZEALAND
01 June
CONFERENCE SYSTEM & FINALS SERIES EXPLAINED CONFERENCE MODEL No longer will standings be displayed as one league ladder, instead the Australian and New Zealand Conferences will have their own ladders. Points accumulated during the season will contribute towards individual Conference ladders. The model which has been in place for the past seven seasons, where each team’s points have been calculated in one league ladder, will be discontinued. From this year, a guaranteed three teams from Australian and New Zealand Conferences will progress through to a restructured Finals series.
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
Despite the move towards Conferences, this year’s season format will remain the same as in the previous seven seasons. Each team will play every other team within their Conference both home and away; along with one game against the five trans-Tasman rivals either at home or away, alternating each year. Each team will play 13 games, eight games within their own Conference; five games against the other Conference.
CONFERENCE FINALS SYSTEM A guaranteed six teams, three from the Australian and New Zealand Conferences will progress to a restructured Finals Series where a
Conference Champion will be crowned before the ANZ Championship Final Series begins.
CONFERENCE ELIMINATION FINALS AUS Conference Elimination Final: AUS 2nd v 3rd NZ Conference Elimination Final: NZ 2nd v 3rd
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS ANZ Championship Semi-Final 1: Winner AUS Conference Final v Loser NZ Conference Final ANZ Championship Semi-Final 2: Winner NZ Conference Final v Loser AUS Conference Final
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL
ANZ Championship Grand Final: Winner Semi-Final 1 v CONFERENCE FINALS Winner Semi-Final 2 AUS Conference Final: AUS 1st v Winner The host of the ANZ Championship Grand AUS Conference Elimination Final Final will be determined by two scenarios: NZ Conference Final: NZ 1st v Winner • If two teams from the same NZ Conference Elimination Final Conference qualify for the Grand
Final, the Conference Champion will earn the right to host the decider. • I f the Grand Finalists are from both the Australian and New Zealand Conferences, the host will be determined by the team that accumulated the most points
during the ANZ Championship regular season. In the event that both Grand Finalists are equal on points, the team with the higher goal percentage will host the Grand Final. The winner will be crowned champions of the ANZ Championship.
ANZ CONFERENCE FINALS
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
Fri 5 Jun Australian Elimination Final Sat 6 Jun New Zealand Elimination Final
Sun 14 Jun Mon 15 Jun
Sun 7 Jun Australian Conference Final
Sun 21 Jun ANZ Championship OR Mon 22 Jun Grand Final
Mon 8 Jun New Zealand Conference Final
Semi-Final 1 Semi-Final 2
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 17
CONSISTENCY KEY FOR FIREBIRDS A SPIRITED TEAM WITH THE ABILITY TO PRODUCE WINS AT CRUNCH TIME, THE FIREBIRDS WILL NEED TO ENSURE THEY BUILD UP MOMENTUM THROUGHOUT THE SEASON TO AGAIN BE PRESENT COME FINALS TIME.
FIREBIRDS CAPTAIN LAURA GEITZ
TEAM MISSION QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS Netball State: Queensland
Coach:
Roselee Jencke
Captain:
Laura Geitz
2014 Finish: Runner-up
Team List:
Romelda Aiken (JAM) Rebecca Bulley Laura Clemesha Laura Geitz Beryl Friday Clare McMeniman Caitlyn Nevins (nee Strachan) Kim Ravaillion Gabi Simpson Verity Simmons Gretel Tippett Amorette Wild
Online:
facebook.com/ Queensland Firebirds @The Firebirds
@qldfirebirdsofficial
Contact:
Netball QLD, 210 Beaudesert Road, Moorooka, QLD 4105
GABI SIMPSON
ROMELDA AIKEN
HOME AND AWAY: The Mission Queensland Firebirds had a mixed 2014 campaign. At the halfway mark they looked like missing the Finals, but then rocketed up the ladder and into second spot at the end of the regular season, thanks to a six-game winning streak. Ultimately, they couldn’t overcome the Melbourne Vixens in the Finals, but the fact they’ve been involved at the business end of the season for the last two years shows they have a fighting spirit and determined attitude that must be admired. SIDELINE VIEW: The Firebirds’ defensive unit sets itself the target of keeping teams to 50 goals or less in a game. So, Rebecca Bulley’s experience will be a great addition to complement Laura Geitz and Claire McMeniman – all three know what it takes to win titles. Promising shooter Gretel Tippett has signed with the Brisbane-based team, after spending last season with the NSW Swifts. Midcourter Caitlyn Nevins (nee Strachan) arrives in Brisbane having been part of the Vixens’ programme last year. The team suffered a setback when defender Jacinta Messer, who had been a vital part of their back-to-back Grand Final campaigns, withdrew from the team due to commitments. She was replaced by Laura Clemesha, who was part of the Firebirds’ squad in 2013.
WHO’S HOT: In two seasons, Gabi Simpson has quickly established herself as an integral part of the Firebirds’ line-up. She is a tough, hard-working competitor at wing defence, who thrives on the challenge of taking on the best in the business. Last season, Simpson was ranked in the competition top 10 for deflections (51), and one of the strengths of her game is the ability to predict an opponent’s attacking move and pick-off a crucial intercept. She’s only missed one game since joining the Firebirds – an accidental elbow from a teammate last season sidelined her with concussion. TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Roselee Jencke says adjusting to the new competition structure will be an adjustment, “It’s a different format this year and that’s the first challenge for all teams – especially us – to ensure we put ourselves in a really good position to fight it out for that prize at the end of the season. I’m really pleased with the team we have selected. It’s a very competitive group this year, so it will be about performing every week.”
Demelza Fellowes has returned to the Mainland Tactix where her ANZ Championship career started in 2008, shooter Ameliaranne Wells joined the Mojo Pulse and Nicola Gray moved to Adelaide Thunderbirds in search of greater opportunities.
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 18
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NO SURPRISES ON COURT FOR FEVER A FIRM GAME PLAN, THE ABILITY TO ABSORB PRESSURE AND MEETING THE PHYSICAL CONTESTS SET BY OPPOSITION TEAMS ARE THE FOCUS THIS SEASON FOR NEW WEST COAST FEVER COACH, STACEY ROSMAN.
JOSIE JANZ-DAWSON
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HOME AND AWAY: There is an old saying in sport: the team is bigger than any individual. This mantra has been adopted by West Coast Fever’s new coach Stacey Rosman. Fever start 2015 with new faces in their key leadership roles – Rosman taking over from Norma Plummer, and Ashleigh Brazill their new captain. Fever finished no higher than seventh on the ladder under the previous league format. But with the competition split into Conferences this year, guaranteeing Finals spots to three sides on both sides of the Tasman, the Fever have a great opportunity to create some history and begin a new era of success for West Australian netball. SIDELINE VIEW: Fever were dealt a blow at the end of last season when Eboni Beckford-Chambers, their MVP for the previous two seasons, departed for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Rosman hopes that her loss will be offset by the additions of promising pair April Letton (NSW Swifts) and Erena Mikaere (Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel) – who’s set to become the first New Zealand import to play for an Australian team – who will be working alongside the young talent of Courtney Bruce and the experience of Josie Janz-Dawson. Both have been part of successful teams over their careers and have made the move to Perth seeking more court time. Teenager Ingrid Colyer, who impressed during her appearances as a replacement player, has earned her first full-time contract and will be looking to keep developing her midcourt connections. WHO’S HOT: April Letton had a good grounding in the ANZ Championship, firstly as a replacement player with the
Mission Queensland Firebirds in their 2011 title-winning year, and then the past three seasons at the Swifts where she learned to develop her game under the likes of Sonia Mkoloma, Mo’onia Gerrard and Sharni Layton. She’s been highly touted since her junior representative days and Fever were excited to be able to lure her west, as they look to restructure their defensive end. The 24-year-old has reportedly impressed everyone in the Fever camp over the summer. TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Stacey Rosman says winning away from home is going to be vital to qualify for the Finals. “There’s got to be a lot of hard work, we’ve got to learn to win away from home as well as on our home court and we have to be able to stand up under unbelievable pressure and hard physical contests out on court. Something that we’ve addressed through all of our preparations is nothing that will hit us out on court will surprise us because we’ll have a game plan and it’s going to take the other teams to figure us out and try to break us down.”
TEAM WEST COAST FEVER Netball State:
Western Australia
Coach:
Stacey Rosman
Captain:
Ashleigh Brazill
2014 Finish: Ninth place
Team List:
Caitlin Bassett Kate Beveridge Ashleigh Brazill Shae Brown (nee Bolton) Courtney Bruce Ingrid Colyer Josie Janz-Dawson April Letton Natalie Medhurst Erena Mikaere (NZ) Kaylia Stanton Khao Watts
Online:
facebook.com/ westcoastfever @westcoastfeverofficial @WestCoastFever
Contact:
Netball WA, 565 Hay Street, Subiaco, WA 6008
THUNDERBIRDS RECRUIT WELL COACH JANE WOODLANDS-THOMPSON’S EMPHASIS THIS SEASON IS ON LEAVING THE DISAPPOINTING RESULT OF THE 2014 SEASON BEHIND, AND IMPROVING THE THUNDERBIRDS’ DEFENSIVE EFFORTS ACROSS THE COURT.
ERIN BELL
TEAM ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS Netball State: South Australia
Coach:
Jane Woodlands Thompson
Captain:
Renae Hallinan
2014 Finish: Eighth place
Team List: Emily Beaton Eboni Beckford Chambers (ENG) Erin Bell Nicola Gray Renae Hallinan Carla Borrego Cody Lange Samantha Poolman Madeleine Proud Kate Shimmin Amy Steel Leigh Waddington
Online:
facebook.com/ Adelaide Thunderbirds @AdelaideTbirds @Adelaide Thunderbirds
Contact:
Netball South Australia, 155 Railway Terrace, Mile End, SA 5031
TEAM BENCH
HOME AND AWAY: After a strong start, where the Adelaide Thunderbirds went unbeaten for the first three rounds in 2014 to establish a new league record of 16 consecutive wins, things started to unravel for coach Jane Woodlands -Thompson and her squad. That result started the team on a five-game losing streak, which effectively dashed their hopes of defending the title. But, if Woodlands -Thompson is looking for an omen, the last season the Thunderbirds missed the Finals was in 2011 – the year after they won their first title. They bounced back the following season, 2012, to return to the post-regular-season action. SIDELINE VIEW: The Thunderbirds were the first team to secure a big off-season signing, luring English defender Eboni Beckford-Chambers across from Perth after three seasons at West Coast Fever – where she won two MVP awards. The addition of Melbourne Vixens’ Premiership player Amy Steel means Adelaide’s defensive end bears little resemblance to their 2013 title-winning side, following the departure of Rebecca Bulley to the Mission Queensland Firebirds. “We were a little disappointed with our defensive average last year,” Woodlands -Thompson said. “I think we’ve got a range of talls back there, with Amy Steel who’s very fit and mobile, unique talents like Kate Shimmin and also Sam Poolman who’s certainly taken big steps up from the end of last year.”
LEIGH WADDINGTON
WHO’S HOT: Dynamic midcourter Leigh Waddington is entering the 2015 season the fittest she’s ever been, and on track to make a successful recovery from a knee reconstruction. She’s only made 15 ANZ Championship appearances, but Waddington shapes as an important part of the Thunderbirds’ midcourt. In a sign of her status within the playing group, Waddington has also been named the Thunderbirds’ new vice-captain. She’s been impressive during pre-season training and is highly rated by the coach. “She has an extremely low error rate and she’s the ultimate team player,” Woodlands -Thompson said of Waddington’s influence. “She’s worked exceptionally hard, she’s in magnificent condition and full credit to her.” TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Jane Woodlands -Thompson says the team need to put the 2014 season behind them and move forward. “We were six goals worse-off from our two Premiership years, which isn’t good enough. That’s not just a reflection on our circle defence, that’s a reflection on our full court defence. So that’s one area we’re certainly looking to improve in 2015. I’m the defensive coach this year so I’m looking forward to a lot of headaches at the selection table.”
Nicola Gray has moved south, from the Firebirds, in search of more opportunities and will also provide an option in the goal circle.
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 22
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
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VIXENS LOOK FOR BACK-TO-BACK TITLES THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ARE SET ON CREATING HISTORY BY BECOMING THE FIRST TEAM TO WIN THE TITLE TWO YEARS RUNNING. THEIR COACH BELIEVES THEY’VE GOT THE WALK TO MATCH THE TALK.
GEVA MENTOR
HOME AND AWAY: The Melbourne Vixens are intent on creating ANZ Championship history in 2015. After an indifferent start last season, the Vixens only dropped two more matches for the rest of their campaign and their 11-goal victory over the Mission Queensland Firebirds was the second biggest Grand Final winning margin in the competition’s history. Not only do they want to be the first team to win the title under the new Conference system, they want to become the competition’s first back-to-back winners. Coach Simone McKinnis gets satisfaction out of watching her players continuously challenge each other, both individually and as a squad, in order to keep improving and to stay ahead of their rivals. “It is about us setting the standards for how good we can be and making sure that every time we train, whether that’s on court or in the gym, it is about pushing to be better,” McKinnis said. SIDELINE VIEW: Retaining the core group of the Premiership team – including the starting seven – was an important priority for the Vixens. The team have added some emerging home-grown young talent to their list in shooter Alice Teague-Neeld, and defenders Emily Mannix and Chloe Watson. Teague-Neeld, 18, is one of the youngest players in the competition this year but has been training with the Vixens for the past couple of seasons, while Watson can also cover wing defence as well as goal defence. The experienced Carla Dziwoki has moved south from Sydney and the Vixens know of her shooting prowess
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
MADI ROBINSON
first-hand when she spearheaded the NSW Swifts to an upset win in Melbourne, two seasons ago. Dziwoki is effectively a straight swap for Erin Hoare, who’s moved to the Swifts, while Amy Steel and Caitlyn Nevins (nee Strachan) have departed for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Mission Queensland Firebirds, respectively.
TEGAN CALDWELL
TEAM MELBOURNE VIXENS
WHO’S HOT: Liz Watson quickly consolidated her position in the Vixens’ starting line-up in 2014, forming part of a dominant midcourt combination with Kate Moloney and Madi Robinson.
Netball State: Victoria Coach:
Simone McKinnis
Captain:
Bianca Chatfield
2014 Finish: Champions
The 20-year-old will be eager to keep her name in front of the Diamonds’ selectors ahead of this year’s Netball World Cup by making a strong start to the season. Competition for midcourt spots in Australia’s squad will be as competitive as ever with Watson among a host of exciting young talent coming through the ANZ Championship.
Team List:
TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Simone McKinnis says the team would love to make it back-to-back championships. “I can’t question the effort and intensity that they’ve shown right from the start of training. It’s been outstanding and you just know that not only are they saying that they want it but they’re prepared to do what’s required.”
Karyn Bailey Tegan Caldwell Bianca Chatfield Carla Dziwoki Emily Mannix Kate Moloney Geva Mentor (ENG) Madi Robinson Alice Teague-Neeld Chloe Watson Liz Watson Joanna Weston
Online: facebook.com/ melbournevix @melbournevixens @Melbournevixensofficial
Contact:
Netball Victoria, 487 King Street, West Melbourne, VIC 3003
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 25
SWIFTS SQUAD FORMIDABLE WITH A FOCUS ON INTENSIVE PRE-SEASON TRAINING AND SECURING QUALITY SIGNINGS, COACH ROB WRIGHT IS PREPARING HIS TEAM FOR THE FINALS. THE SWIFTS SQUAD IS AN ENVIABLE LINE-UP.
SHARNI LAYTON
TEAM NSW SWIFTS
SUSAN PETTITT
Netball State: New South Wales Coach:
HOME AND AWAY: It’s a line-up to make any international coach envious and the NSW Swifts will be hoping their 2015 squad shapes up as one of the leading contenders for this season’s ANZ Championship title. Coach Rob Wright promised his players their pre-season training schedule would be harder than any previous, as the Swifts look to dominate the new-look Conference and ANZ Championship Finals set-up.
Rob Wright
Captain:
Kimberlee Green
2014 Finish: Fourth place
Team List:
Jade Clarke (ENG) Julie Corletto Taylah Davies Kimberlee Green Paige Hadley Erin Hoare Sharni Layton Abbey McCulloch Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley) Caitlin Thwaites Micaela Wilson Stephanie Wood
Online: facebook.com/ NSWSwifts @theNSWSwifts @nswswifts
Contact:
Netball Central, 2 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
One of the highlights for the Swifts will be the expected return of young midcourter Paige Hadley, who had last season cut short after suffering a serious knee injury. SIDELINE VIEW: For the second year straight, the Swifts have been able to lure high-quality recruits to Sydney with defender Julie Corletto and England captain Jade Clarke. As with Corletto, the Swifts will be Clarke’s third ANZ Championship home, but her first in Australia after stints with the Kia Magic and Mainland Tactix. Tall shooter Erin Hoare has moved north from the Melbourne Vixens, where she spent the past two seasons, while Micaela Wilson, who was called up by the Swifts as a replacement player last season, returns to the competition on a full-time basis this year. Promising youngsters Taylah Davies and Stephanie Wood, who’s from Queensland, have earned their first contracts.
SWIFTS CAPTAIN KIMBERLEE GREEN
Wall, who proved to be an extremely handy replacement player for the injured Hadley. WHO’S HOT: After being troubled by niggling injuries over the past couple of seasons, 28-year-old Julie Corletto showed why she’s regarded one of the world’s best defenders when fully fit, only missing the final two matches of the 2014 season. She can only play in the defensive circle or at wing defence, and has the ability to change a game by pulling off an intercept or block at crucial times. “I actually think she’s the best goal defence in the world,” Wright declared. Swifts fans will be thrilled to see Corletto partner Sharni Layton in defence on a weekly basis, after watching the duo end 2014 as a formidable combination for the Diamonds. TIP FOR THE TOP: Coach Rob Wright says the team are firmly focused on making the Finals. “At the end of the day, the NSW Swifts haven’t won a Finals game since 2008 and that’s something we need to turn around. We’re going to be aiming to do the absolute best that we can and we’ll see how far that takes us.”
The main departures from their 2014 roster are defenders Sonia Mkoloma and April Letton (West Coast Fever), shooters Carla Dziwoki (Vixens) and Gretel Tippett (Mission Queensland Firebirds) and midcourter Sarah
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 26
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
HOW TO GET ON THE
OFFICIAL TOUR For official Silver Ferns Travel exclusive packages, visit www.silverfernstravel.co.nz Call 0800 468 225 or Email netball@hot.co.nz
SELLING OUT QUICK With the 11-Day package sold out, limited GOLD ticket seats are in hot demand for the Finals Weekend package (two and four nights). Don’t miss out!
DON’T MISS
NETBALL’S GREATEST CELEBRATION! SYDNEY, 7-16 AUGUST 2015 Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 is less than six months away. Make sure you don’t miss this chance to see the world’s top nations battle it out for netball’s ultimate prize! DAY TICKETS With tickets sold by the day, fans can access between four and six international matches each day, with the one ticket! Yes – that is between six and 10 hours of on-court action every day! Day Tickets will be sold via pre-sale and general sale in March. Check out nwc2015.com.au/tickets for more details. COURTSIDE BOXES AND SUITES Available at all sessions, from the opening to the closing weekend, the Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 hospitality program presents a range of options and prices to suit groups, fans and corporate guests. You can download the Hospitality brochure at nwc2015.com.au/hospitality FAN PACKAGES Fan Packages are on sale on via our Official Travel Agents. Fan Packages combine day tickets with other exciting event elements such as VIP experiences, official merchandise, functions and hospitality. Fan Packages combine day tickets with other exciting event elements such as VIP experiences, official merchandise, functions and hospitality. With Fan Packages coming in a variety of offerings - there really is an option to suit EVERY netball fan! Check out nwc2015.com.au/tickets for more details.
Want more? Head to nwc2015.com.au/tickets and download the NWC2015 Ticketing Guide and check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
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Don’t miss trans-Tasman rivals the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds battling it out on Day 3 (Sunday 9 August) in the Preliminary Rounds as the competition heats up and heads into the Qualification Rounds. Fans can expect fast and furious netball like they’ve never seen before! The 16 nations set to take part in Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 come from five regions around the world – Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Americas and Africa – and for the first time we have four African nations competing with South Africa, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia. And whilst the championship title is always the ultimate prize, Netball World Cup is also a celebration of the continued growth and impact of netball globally.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
As we like to say… there is a bib for everyone at NWC2015! So whether you are heading to the event or ready to cheer on the Ferns from your family room in Wellington – we are ready to bring you a unique NWC2015 fan experience. UNLEASH YOUR SOCIAL: Join the Netball World Cup conversation on social media. We love sharing your latest pics and our news on Facebook.com/netballworldcup, twitter @netballworldcup and Instagram @netballworldcup #SeeyouinSydney NEWS AND INFORMATION HUB: All news and information is announced via Centre Circle, our e/newsletter you can subscribe at nwc2015.com.au. And when it comes to our Competition Schedule, Fan Packages, FanFEST or Ticketing information, it all can be found on our website. Check it out and plan your 10 days in August!
PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Callow
The Netball World Cup promises blockbuster matches from Day 1 to Day 10 with the top ranked nations clashing across the 10 days – giving fans more matches than ever before.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT: The Netball World Cup takes places every four years and brings the best netballing nations head-to-head for 10 days of electric competition to crown the World Champion. WHEN: Friday 7 – Sunday 16 August 2015 WHERE: Sydney Olympic Park – Allphones Arena and Netball Central. WHO: The best 16 nations in the world! Australia, Barbados, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Wales and Zambia SECURE YOUR SEAT: Ticketing information is out now! Visit nwc2015.com.au/tickets
ANZ-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 29
NETBALL FOR OVER 35’s Enter your team now for the world’s biggest Netball Festival being held in Hobart this November. Golden Oldies World Netball Festival Hobart, Tasmania • November 1-8, 2015
Over 60 teams from around the world have already signed up to play. Golden Oldies World Netball festivals are designed for netballers over the age of 35 who still have the desire to get out onto the court, enjoy the camaraderie of a netball team, score some goals and have fun off the court! Everything is done for you, three fantastic functions, three games, transport and accommodation. Enter as individual or call your old teammates and enter today! Golden Oldies World Netball PO Box 331 469, 8a Anzac Street, Takapuna 0740 Phone: +9 486 1644; Email: netball@goldenoldiessports.com
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