2024 ANZP GRAND FINAL – PULSE v MYSTICS

The New Zealand umpires are a lot more pedantic than the Aussie umpires. I hardly notice the Aussie umpires when watching a ssn game yet the nz umpires really start to grate on my nerves as the game progresses. The nz umpires always seem to be determined to stamp their mark on the game. They never play advantage which does not make it conducive to a free flowing game.

Re IVD, TB is right – pre IVD (basically all of the 90s), NZ would get the odd win here or there. For most of 2000s, AU and NZ were fairly even. There was a small period where NZ were dominant around 2005/2006, but AU were always close (CWG 2006 as a case in point). AU dominated again once IVD faded and before Mes became prominent.

I was surprised Walmsley took that last shot. I thought she would have put it down (it was a penalty right?) and Metaurua feed it in closer for her. It would have taken up time, and really put Mystics out of arms reach. A tough way to lose, but daaannm did she play an amazing game!

@Kwkiwi the NZ umpires have been great this season. They’ve allowed the game to flow, more-so than normal. The SSN, this season, I found there was A LOT of whistle. Unusually not playing the advantage.

Re rumours about Nweke: did anyone else feel there was deeper meaning in her tears at the end of the game?
Like she was really, really crying! With all the rumours going around, I got the feeling her tears may have been a combination of winning and possibly leaving NZs competition.