Contributors: Tobey Keddy, Jaimie Keay
Images – Graeme Laughton-Mutu, Adrian Watkins
Cover Photo – Adrian Watkins
278 days after the Northern Mystics were crowned back-to-back champions, the first centre pass of the 2025 ANZ Premiership season is almost upon us.
The season is shorter this year, cut from 15 rounds to 10, with teams playing each other twice in the regular season, as opposed to three times as has been the case previously. So it will be important to get off to a good start. Following in the footsteps of Super Netball and the Super League in the UK, the Kiwis will also adopt the two-point shot and timeouts this year. How well the players and teams can navigate and adapt to the changes will be key to who will fight for the title in July.
Plenty of player movement in the off-season, three debut coaches and five Australian imports – it will be one to watch and we have your preview ahead of all the action.
Diamond squad member Donnell Wallam has crossed the ditch to join the Mystics this season. Image – Adrian Watkins
Northern Mystics
Team: Tayla Earle, Hannah Glen, Catherine Hall, Charlotte Manley, Holly Rae (nee Fowler), Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Katie Te Ao, Peta Toeava, Filda Vui, Donnell Wallam
Coach: Tia Winikerei
In: Donnell Wallam (Queensland Firebirds), Charlotte Manley, Holly Rae (Stars)
Out: Phoenix Karaka (maternity leave), Carys Stythe (Southern Steel), Grace Nweke (NSW Swifts)
2024 Position: Champions (3rd on Ladder)
Analysis and Prediction:
After winning their 3rd ANZ Premiership title in four years, the Northern Mystics have created a very successful formula for winning important games. However, the big bombshell of the signing period was the announcement that Grace Nweke would be crossing the ditch to join the NSW Swifts. This leaves an enormous hole to fill, as she has been such an integral part of that winning Mystics formula in recent years. Enter – Donnell Wallam.
It will be tough to replace Nweke, but the Aussie Diamond squad member is a handy shooter in her own right who is also not shy of attempting a two-point shot. With the Queensland Firebirds, Wallam not only scored over 500 one-point goals, but she also added 50 two-pointers. With her experience already in the two-point zone compared to the majority of the competition, it will be a point of difference for the Mystics.
For the Mystics at the other end of the court, the defensive end looks a little different with the loss of Phoenix Karaka, who just welcomed her second child, as well as Carys Stythe, who has journeyed down to the Steel in the deep south. Holly Rae (nee Fowler) has jumped across town from the Stars and joins Charlotte Manley alongside the experience of Michaela Sokolich-Beatson.
Sokolich-Beatson is captain once again in 2025 and she is joined by the formidable combination of Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle in the leadership group. Eagle-eyed fans will have noticed Toeava donning the goal attack bib during pre-season – it will be interesting to see if that trend continues during the season.
Former Sunshine Coast Lightning training partner Charlie Bell will don the purple dress of the Stars in 2025. Image – May Bailey|Clusterpix
Stars
Team: Charlie Bell, Kate Burley, Monica Falkner, Remi Kamo, Lisa Mather, Samon Nathan, Mila Reulu-Buchanan, Greer Sinclair, Lili Tokaduadua, Maia Wilson
Coach: Temepara Bailey
Assistant Coach: Leanna de Bruin
In: Charlie Bell (Sunshine Coast Lightning – training partner), Remi Kamo (Queensland Firebirds), Greer Sinclair (Mainland Tactix)
Out: Holly Mather (Mainland Tactix), Amorangi Malesala (Central Pulse – temporary replacement player)
2024 Position: 5th
Analysis and Prediction:
After a rebuilding season in 2024 with several close losses, the Stars have brought in a new coaching team and several new high-profile players to be competitive in the 2025 season.
With the departure of Kiri Wills to the Queensland Firebirds, the Stars needed a coach who could transform their game to the next level – enter former Silver Fern midcourter Temepara Bailey. After coaching the Gold Coast Titans in Australia, Coach Bailey has come home to South Auckland to bring a new approach to the Stars. And she is joined this season by former Stars and Ferns teammate Leanna de Bruin who brings even more experience to the role of assistant coach.
One of the additions to the Stars this season is former Queensland Firebird defender Remi Kamo. Kamo is an unorthodox defender, similar to Anna Harrison, who uses her long wingspan and her quickness to quickly close down space, deflect shots and gain an interception ball. Combined with Kate Burley’s athleticism and her consistency of being in the top 3 for intercepts in the ANZ Premiership, should be one of the most exciting combinations in the competition.
Retaining the captaincy in 2025 is Maia Wilson, and she’s supported by midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan as vice captain, while Burley rounds out the leadership group. This should be a big season for Wilson. The most prolific shooter in last year’s competition is looking to develop her goal attack game this season to further cement herself as a viable option for Silver Ferns contention.
Unfortunately, Samon Nathan will be missing from the Stars midcourt for the start of the season, after she suffered a knee injury in the pre-season. She will be replaced by training partner Tori Kolose until she returns.
Georgie Edgecombe was a consistent performer for the Magic in 2024. Image – Adrian Watkins
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic
Team: Reeghan de Bono, Georgie Edgecombe, Amelieranne Ekenasio, Oceane Maihi, Erena Mikaere, Claire O’Brien, Kate Taylor, Georgia Tong, Saviour Tui, Ali Wilshier
Coach: Mary-Jane Araroa
In: Kate Taylor (NNL)
Out: Ivana Rowland
2024 Position: 4th
Analysis and Prediction
With only one change to their team of 10 from the 2024 season, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have put faith in their core squad to produce their first top 3 season in the ANZ Premiership.
After winning 9 games last season, coach Mary-Jane Araroa has found a winning formula, which saw several upset wins against opposition with a lot more international experience. Their strong results saw several accolades won including the ANZ Premiership Most Valuable Player to Amelieranne Ekenasio and the Player’s Most Valuable Player to Georgia Tong.
The attacking combination of Saviour Tui, Amelieranne Ekenasio and Claire O’Brien was essential to the Magic’s winning ways. Their use of flair, athleticism and their ability to withstand pressure for 60 minutes allowed them to wear down their opponents and create attacking openings for some easy goals. The move to the Magic saw Claire O’Brien make her debut for the Silver Ferns in 2024, and if she wants to return, she will need to be consistent and create a strong connection with her shooters.
With the two-point shot being introduced this season, there is no doubt that this is where the Magic could excel especially with Ekenasio’s ability to shoot from anywhere in the goal circle.
2024 saw a massive improvement from the Magic in getting defensive turnovers. Georgia Tong was second in intercepts, while her Silver Fern teammate, Erena Mikaere, was second in defensive rebounds and second in deflections. This ability to generate defensive ball has previously alluded the Magic in the past, so look for this combination to grow further in 2025.
Based on their performances at the Ōtaki preseason tournament, the Magic came out of the tournament looking the most ready for success. Georgie Edgecombe was a standout in Wing Defence, with her ability to disrupt her opposition’s attacking structure with her strong one-on-one work. The Magic look to be a team that will be best suited for the new 2025 super shot, as Ekenasio and Tui were the most accurate during the preseason games. Look for this to be a strategy that sets this team apart for success.
Amorangi Malesala has joined the Pulse as a temporary replacement player for the injured Khiarna Williams. Image – Graeme Laughton-Mutu
Central Pulse
Team: Laura Balmer, Maddy Gordon, Fa’amu Ioane, Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Tiana Metuarau, Ainsleyana Puleiata, Whitney Souness, Amelia Walmsley, Amorangi Malasala, Gabi Simpson, Khiarna Williams
Coach: Anna Andrews-Tasola
In: Laura Balmer (replacement player – Southern Blast), Gabi Simpson (temporary replacement player), Ainsleyana Puleiata (NNL), Amorangi Malesala (Magic – temporary replacement player)
Out: Martina Salmon (Mainland Tactix), Parris Petera (Mainland Tactix), Claire Kersten, Kelea Iongi (GIANTS training partner – SSN)
2024 Position: Minor Premiers + Grand Finalists
Analysis and Prediction:
One goal – A heartbreaking missed shot in the last 60 seconds made the difference for the Central Pulse not winning their fourth ANZ Premiership title against the Northern Mystics in an epic, topsy-turvy Grand Final in 2024.
However, if the 2024 season is any indication of the Pulse’s form despite it being filled with injuries and return-to-play programmes for top stars, the Central Pulse should feel very confident that they will be able to dominate the 2025 season.
Sadly, the Central Pulse will have two top stars in Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness in return-to-play programmes and will be replacing an injured Khiarna Williams. Coming in as temporary replacement players will be 41-test capped Australian Diamond, Gabi Simpson, and 2-test capped Silver Fern, Amorangi Malesala. Having this much experience to help the Pulse out will allow them to not miss a beat on the court.
Captain Kelly Jackson is coming off career-peak form in 2024. The three-time Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award winner was first in intercepts, deflections and rebounds for the ANZ Premiership, demonstrating her dominance on the defensive end. Her ability to use her long reach to deflect shots, bring in any rebound, and put her competition off their shot is making her one of the most feared players in the game. Combined with the tenacious and newly selected Silver Fern Parris Mason, expect the Pulse’s defensive end to be near impenetrable.
A big 2025 season is needed for both Pulse shooters, Amelia Walmsley and Tiana Metuarau. Walmsley will have one of her biggest career seasons this year, as not only will she lead New Zealand to the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, she is being geared up for the hardest job in netball, filling the shoes of Grace Nweke in the Silver Ferns. While Tiana Metuarau will be looking to keep injury-free and elevate her fitness so her flair with the ball and her ability to shoot under pressure will bring her back into the Silver Ferns in 2025.
Coach Anna Andrews-Tasola nearly had the perfect debut season despite the injury hiccups she had to deal with. The 2025 season has started with similar hiccups. But if she is able to get her players healthy for finals and settle her lineups like she did last season, expect the Pulse to be one of the top teams in the competition once again.
Martina Salmon joins the Tactix and will no doubt be ready for the super-shot. Image – Graeme Laughton-Mutu
Mainland Tactix
Team: Ellie Bird, Karin Burger, Charli Fidler, Paris Lokutui, Holly Mather, Erikana Pederson, Parris Petera, Martina Salmon, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Jane Watson
Training Partners: Julia Wynands, Taiana Day
Coach: Donna Wilkins
Assistant Coach: Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
In: Martina Salmon (Central Pulse), Charli Fidler (GIANTS training partner), Parris Petera (Central Pulse), Holly Mather (Northern Stars)
Out: Kimiora Poi (Southern Steel), Aaliyah Dunn (Southern Steel), Greer Sinclair (Stars), Jess Allan, Kate Lloyd
2024 Position: 3rd (2nd on ladder)
Analysis and Prediction
The Mainland Tactix have been a consistent top-three threat for several seasons now, but haven’t been able to grab hold of the ANZ Premiership. However, with a diversely talented shooting end, an international calibre defence end and a midcourt with huge potential, expect the Tactix to be huge threats for the title in 2025.
The biggest talking point regarding the Tactix’s additions came from securing rising-star Martina Salmon. Salmon thrived during her breakout season in 2024, coming in clutch for the Central Pulse, replacing the injured Amelia Walmsley and Tiana Metuarau. Her athleticism, her accurate long-range shooting and her ability to reign in any ball have made her one of the most exciting prospects in New Zealand netball.
Combining with Salmon will be the well-established combination of Ellie Bird and Te Paea Selby-Rickit. With all three being strong rebounders, expect the Tactix to be one of the teams to utilise the supershot a lot.
With the formidable defensive combination of Jane Watson and Karin Burger, you can never look past the Tactix from winning plenty of ball. With both being in the top 6 for intercepts and deflections last season, it is hard to see this not continuing. In 2024 we saw Paris Lokotui sharing court-time with Greer Sinclair, but after her departure north, look for Lokotui to shine in the wing-defence position.
Experienced midcourter Erikana Pederson is the new captain this season, with Burger vice captain. There has also been a change in the coaching role. After three years as a specialist coach, former Silver Fern Donna Wilkins takes charge in her first job as head coach. Part of the highly successful Southern Sting team in her playing days, Wilkins is sure to bring a winning mentality to the role. Back for a second year as assistant coach is Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.
Invercargill-born Aliyah Dunn has returned to her roots and joins the Steel. Image – Adrian Watkins
Southern Steel
Team: Serina Daunakamakama, Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Kate Heffernan, Abby Lawson, Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai’inaea, Carys Stythe, Summer Temu, Dakota Thomas
Coach: Wendy Frew
Assistant coach: Liana Leota
In: Kimiora Poi (Mainland Tactix), Aliyah Dunn (Mainland Tactix), Dakota Thomas (NSW Swifts training partner), Carys Sythe (Northern Mystics),
Out: Jennifer O’Connell, Grace Namana, Ivari Christie (injured), Shannon Saunders (injured), George Fisher, Jeante Strydom, Taneisha Tofa (Central Pulse)
2024 Position: 6th
Analysis and Prediction
With only one win in their last 30 games, the Southern Steel needed a major shakeup. With a new head coach and five new players, the Steel have done what the doctor ordered – but will it be enough for a successful season?
Having played for the Southern netball region for 17 seasons, new head coach, Wendy Frew, will be perfect to bring back into the Steel environment. Being part of six premiership-winning teams alongside captain of the Steel for five seasons, her leadership and her knowledge of how to win will be crucial for this team. Her assistant coach is another former Steel player, Liana Leota, who returns from England where she has been coaching in the NSL.
Bringing in some high-profile new signings alongside some Aussie flair should create a different brand of netball for the Steel. Coming from the Mainland Tactix is Silver Fern Kimiora Poi, who is coming off a great 2024 season and a prolific shooter in Ayliah Dunn. This pair will bring energy on attack, with Dunn providing consistency and an easy option to goal in at Goal Shooter, and Poi brings second-to-none speed and control with the ball in at Wing Attack or Centre.
Other standouts include Carys Stythe, a rangy defender who has been crucial to the defensive success of the Mystics for the last two seasons. Summer Temu is getting her first full-time contract after a replacement stint for both the Stars and Steel. Her movement along the baseline, her anticipation of the offensive plays and her 95% shooting percentage (95/101) make her one to look out for this season.
Pairing this new talent with the Steel players that provided a strong impact last season in Kate and Georgia Heffernan, Renee Savai’inaea and Abby Lawson, the Steel will feel confident that they can challenge any team.
2025 Predicted Ladder
- Tactix
- Magic
- Pulse
- Stars
- Mystics
- Steel
How to watch
NZ based viewers
- All Saturday games will be broadcast FREE on TV2 & TVNZ+
- Remaining games on Sky Sport NZ
Overseas based viewers
- Season passes are available to be purchased through NetballPass.com
