2024 ANZ Premiership Round 5 Preview
Take a look at the three match-ups coming in Round 5 of the 2024 ANZ Premiership.
Saturday, 11 May
Magic v Steel, 4pm at Energy Events Centre in Rotorua
Live on Sky Sport and free to air on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+
International streaming on www.netballpass.com
Ending a record-breaking losing streak will be of some relief for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel but backing it up in their Round 5 ANZ Premiership match against AVIS Magic will be just as important.
Steel captain Kate Heffernan said it was great to get the “reward” for their hard work with an extra time victory over the Stars last week. She said it had been “cool” to get the win for their loyal fans and that success had come off the back of everyone “doing our own job”.
“I think we can get into help-out mode, and it just self-implodes. Being able to actually come together and have each other’s backs – it was cool to see.”
They face a Magic side which will have its own spring in its step after an encouraging performance against the Tactix. They lost by just a single goal to the Tactix and captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, while disappointed not to grab maximum points, was pleased with their improvements.
“We’ve learnt heaps and we’re actioning it in the game,” she said.
The defensive combination of Erena Mikaere and Georgia Takarangi continues to trouble shooters throughout the league – the latter grabbing six gains for her team last week including an impressive five intercepts. Ekenasio believed links across the court were improving each round.
“I think we’re really growing into being comfortable on court with each other, we’re growing our connections and we’re growing with how we can demand more from each other.”
Sunday, 12 May
Pulse v Tactix, 4pm at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North
Live on Sky Sport
International streaming on www.netballpass.com
You couldn’t wipe the smile off the face of Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse captain Kelly Jackson after her side came from 11 goals down to beat the Mystics last week – maintaining their unbeaten run and undoubtedly boosting their confidence. Slow out of the blocks, the Pulse “let loose” in the second half, much to the delight of Jackson.
“That was an incredible effort from the girls. It showed so much heart and courage.”
Her defensive team-mate Parris Mason had a standout performance and her match-up with Trident Homes Tactix goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit promises to set the tone of the match. Jackson said it had been an “incredible” showing from Mason who showed her skills on attack as well as six gains defensively.
“The Tactix are playing really well at the moment too. We’ve got them at home, and it’ll be an exciting match-up.”
The clash must be the game of the round with the league’s only unbeaten teams going head-to-head – the Tactix needing to dig deep last week for a one-goal win over the Magic to keep their perfect record.
Captain Kimiora Poi felt her side let their standards dip somewhat and they would be working hard at training this week in preparation for the Pulse.
“I think definitely in attack, just that discipline with the ball and on D (defence) I don’t think we got enough ball to stay in the game,” she said looking at areas to address ahead of their trip to Palmerston North.
The midcourt battle will also be intriguing as the Pulse continues to find the right mix with influential centre Maddy Gordon out of action with an ankle injury.
7.30pm, Monday 13 May
Stars v Mystics at Pulman Arena in Auckland
Live on Sky Sport
International streaming on www.netballpass.com
Stars captain Maia Wilson was “lost for words” following their extra time loss to the Steel last week in what she described as a repetitive pattern from her side which is still searching for its first win of the season.
It will be another tall ask of the new-look side as they take on a MG Mystics side also left licking their wounds from a tough Round 4 defeat. Wilson however said her team must remedy their mistakes if they are to turn things around.
“I think there was a little bit of complacency on attack, throwing balls that we thought were free instead of working it harder to circle,” she said.
“This is a repeat every round. We sort of get close to a point, but we need to figure it out quickly to be fair.”
She wasn’t the only captain feeling the frustration of a loss with Mystics leader Michaela Sokolich-Beatson showing her disappointment after falling to the Pulse. The defending champions could do little wrong in the first 30 minutes of play – the shooting combination of Hannah Glen and Filda Vui outstanding early on – but again, it was their second half performance which let maximum Premiership points slip through their fingers.
“We stopped running our lines hard, which we talked about last week, we stopped letting the ball go, which we also talked about last week. I guess we’ve just got to go back and practice again.”
Sokolich-Beatson believed the new combinations would only grow with more time together on court.
“I think we’re not used to running 60 minutes in these combos and it’s hard,” she said.