This week in netball: International squads announced and finals all around
THIS week in netball, a variety of big moments for 2021 popped up as the ANZ Premiership champions were decided, while the final round of Suncorp Super Netball action took place in a condensed fixture. In other news, three nations announced international playing squads for upcoming test fixtures.
It was the Northern Mystics that were crowned 2021 ANZ Premiership champions, defeating Mainland Tactix by a mere two goals on Sunday afternoon. Finishing the season atop the ladder, the Mystics had the firepower and talent to get the job done despite the Tactix’s finals experience, ultimately pipping the Tactix at the post in the late stages of the match to claim an all elusive premiership. Tactix’s Jane Watson was under scrutiny the following day with what appeared to be an unknown injury sustained during the match, however that was cleared up not long after as a planned ankle surgery conducted immediately following the season’s completion. Unfortunately for the New Zealand Silver Ferns, this surgery will also see the dogged defender miss out on the upcoming Constellation Cup series against Australia in October.
“We’ve had this on the cards for a wee while, for a few months now, so we’ve definitely been clear on what needed to happen for her and gone through all the scenarios as to with her controlling and leading that as to what is the best scenario for her now,” head coach, Dame Noeline Taurua explained.
“Not only that. I think as well, to have that mental break is always a good thing, and to have a bit of a life and reacquaint yourself with home.”
Speaking of the Silver Ferns, and a congratulations is in order for a number of debut names announced in the squad, as Grace Nweke, Tiana Metuarau, Kate Heffernan and Jamie Hume all earned their maiden call-up, and Peta Toeava returned to the fray following an excellent season. Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Watson retained their place on the list given they are expected to return following pregnancy and injury recovery, while stalwarts the likes of Katrina Rore and Bailey Mes were unavailable for selection.
Elsewhere, 2022 player signings have already begun, with the first major move seeing Kate Burley sign with Southern Steel for next season with the announcement coming immediately following her Mystics premiership on the weekend. She will join returning Steel defenders Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Sarahpheinna Woulf, and slot straight in to replace Taneisha Fifita who will sit out of next season.
The Australian Diamonds squad was also announced this week following the completion of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season, with 40 players across the league selected and placed in the Diamonds and Development squads. Newcomers to the Diamonds included Amy Parmenter and Sunday Aryang, with the two defenders proving more than capable of stepping up to the next level with another impressive season in the books. Both Liz Watson and Kiera Austin retained their positions despite currently rehabbing an ongoing foot issue and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, respectively, and will likely take part in upcoming training camps. Most notably, the likes of Kelsey Browne and Kim Ravaillion were left off both the 21-player main squad and 19-player development squad, despite both putting their hand up for selection, while April Brandley had an outstanding season but did not put her name forward.
In other news, the SPAR Proteas have announced the 16-player squad which will travel to Kingston, Jamaica in October for the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series, taking on Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Returning talent includes SSN’s Lenize Potgieter, Phumza Maweni, Karla Pretorius and Shadine Van der Merwe, as Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) talents in Sigi Burger, Lefebre Rademan and Ine-Mari Venter were also named across a stacked squad. Netball Jamaica and Netball Trinidad and Tobago are yet to announce their respective squads.
The Centre Pass Podcast has continued this season despite bumps in the road with lockdowns and plenty of unknowns regarding fixtures, while with lockdown continuing in Melbourne for at least another week, the Victorian Netball League (VNL) remains sidelined.
Australia
2021/2022 Australian Diamonds squad announced
SSN Round 14 wraps: Swifts rally to topple courageous Thunderbirds // Queensland Firebirds end their season on a high against struggling Vixens // Swifts stamp authority with five goal win over Lightning // GIANTS secure minor premiership with win over Fever
New Zealand
2021/2022 New Zealand Silver Ferns squad announced
Northern Mystics crowned 2021 premiers
2021 ANZ Premiership: Post-season stats wrap
ANZ Premiership season reviews: WBOP Magic // Central Pulse // Northern Stars // Southern Steel
International
2021/2022 Diamonds and Ferns: Ins and Outs
2021/22 South Africa SPAR Proteas announced
Centre Pass Podcast
Centre Pass Podcast – Diamonds and Silver Ferns selections, ANZ grand final and SSN Round 14
ALL EPISODES: iTunes // Spotify // Anchor
Picture credit: AAP / Scott Barbour
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