FOR the first time in 2024, all three of the world’s biggest netball leagues are up and running, so we are going to take a look at some of the key matches around the world this weekend.

ANZ PREMIERSHIP

MATCH OF THE ROUND

Northern Stars vs. Central Pulse
Sunday at 4pm
Pulman Arena, Auckland

Although it is not always easy to tell the strength of a side before Round 1, this Stars vs. Pulse clash is sure to be an intriguing one.

A repeat of last year’s Elimination Final, if the score line on Sunday is anything like the Elimination Final, fans are sure to be in for a treat.

One of the areas to watch in this clash is definitely the mid court battle.

At least temporarily, the Stars have the reunited duo of Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Gina Crampton at their disposal, who were at times really hard to beat last season. They are going to have to be on their game though as their opponents have fellow Silver Ferns Whitney Souness and Maddy Gordon at their disposal.

OTHER FIXTURES

Magic vs. Mystics – Saturday at 4pm – Globox Arena, Hamilton

Tactix vs. Steel – Monday at 7:30pm – Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE

MATCH OF THE ROUND

Severn Stars vs Loughborough Lightning
Saturday at 6pm
University of Worcester Arena

Any top four match in the NSL is sure to be entertaining, and this one is no different.

The Lightning are currently a mere single goal difference behind the Thunder who are on top of the table, and with the Thunder expected to cruise through their match tomorrow night, the Lightning will certainly not want to drop this game.

They however come up against a Stars side who are in excellent form this season and will want to keep banking the wins and increasing the gap between themselves and those teams below them on the ladder.

Mary Cholhok is the absolute key to Loughborough’s success on the court, but she will not have a smooth time this week against the dynamic duo of Jo Trip and Jasmine Brown.

OTHER FIXTURES

Storm vs Sirens – Friday at 7:30pm – Surrey Sports Park

Bath vs Dragons – Friday at 7:30pm – Team Bath Arena

Thunder vs Rhinos – Saturday at 5pm – Belle Vue Arena

Pulse vs Mavericks Monday at 7pm – Copper Box Arena

SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL

MATCH OF THE ROUND

Melbourne Mavericks vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday at 2pm
John Cain Arena

History will be made at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon as the newest version of the Melbourne Derby makes its debut.

After an eventful inaugural preseason, the Melbourne Mavericks will be wanting nothing more than to just get out on court, and what better way to make your entrance into the competition than against your crosstown rivals.

The Vixens for their part had a bit of a shake up in the offseason, and will be looking to not be too affected by those offseason changes and get back to the top of the competition.

The match up in the Mavericks’ attacking circle is going to be fascinating to watch. It will see the debut outing of the combination of Eleanor Cardwell and Rolene Streutker, who have not had long to connect as a shooting combination, against a Vixens defence that is missing one of its most important cogs in Jo Weston, but still has stalwart Emily Mannix and the dynamic Kate Eddy.

OTHER FIXTURES

Giants Netball vs West Coast Fever – Saturday at 5pm – Ken Rosewall Arena

Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Queensland Firebirds – Saturday at 7pm – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Sunshine Coast Lightning vs NSW Swifts – Sunday at 4pm – UniSC Arena