ROUND 1 of the 2021 ANZ Premiership is done and dusted, with the Northern Stars, Southern Steel and WBOP Magic taking out the wins. We take a look at some of the standout performances and highest stats from the week.

Goals:

Northern Mystics shooter Grace Nweke put up the most goals of the round, with 49 going through the ring in 58 attempts. However, George Fisher from Southern Steel made the highest percentage, with her average at 93.9 percent with 46/49 shots. Aliyah Dunn from Central Pulse was also a standout, shooting 36 from 39 attempts to take her average to 92.3 per cent for Round 1. Northern stars Maia Wilson put up 50 shots with 44 making it into the ring, and the highly anticipated new WBOP Magic import, Caitlin Bassett, shot 36 goals in the first round to bring her percentage to 87.8 per cent. It is also interesting to note that Taiana Metuarau from Steel had 20 goal assists, most for that game and most of any other goal attack during the round.

Mid Court:

Ever-reliable Mystics wing attack Elispeta Toeava made quite an impact during the game, with 32 goal assists and 51 feeds, 38 of those feeds with an attempt. Also passing 51 feeds and assisting with 25 goals is Samantha Winders, centre for Magic. Star’s Gina Crampton was also standout during Round 1, with 26 goal assists and 40 feeds. While typically a wing defence, Steel’s Kate Heffernan had a run in centre this week, gaining two intercepts and 19 feeds. Wing defender Karin Burger from the Mainland Tactix got two intercepts and seven gains. It is also worth noting that Stars wing defence Lisa Mather had 20 centre pass receives, the highest of any other wing defence in the round. This could be indicative of Pulses defensive end, or a tactic that ended up paying off for the Stars.

Defence:

Goal keeper Taneisha Fifita had a fairly good Round 1, with an impressive eight gains and five deflections resulting in a gain. Accomplished Mystics defender Sulu Fitzpatrick’s excellent play reading skills got her five gains, as well as two rebounds. On her return from retirement, Star’s Anna Harrison managed four gains, three deflections but with no gain, and two intercepts. Kelly Jury from Pulse put her height to good use, with five gains and an intercept.