It has been eight years since the Otago Rebels and the Southern Sting merged under one banner - the Southern Steel. The franchise will play its 100th game this Sunday when it takes on the Vixens in Melbourne. Former netball writer Adrian Seconi looks back at some of the highs and lows.
The numbers
Biggest win
28 goals: v Tactix (66-38), May 1, 2010
Biggest loss
19 goals: v Magic (66-47), June 4, 2012
Highest score
84 goals: v Tactix, April 6, 2015
Lowest score
31 goals: v Vixens, April 25, 2009
Most goals conceded
73: v Pulse, June 23, 2013
Fewest goals conceded
29: v Pulse, May 31, 2008
Most goals by a player in a game
65: Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, v Tactix (twice)
Most capped player
83: Wendy Frew
Highlights
After a disappointing opening season, the Steel made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2009 and 2010. Of the two seasons, perhaps 2009 was the greater achievement. The team had to overcome injuries to Sheryl Scanlan, Adine Wilson and Megan Hutton, and pregnant shooter Daneka Wipiiti pulled out after round 11.
Lowlights
The Steel lost 11 games in a row from April 21, 2012 until March 24 the following year. The lean run included the two heaviest losses in the history of the franchise - the 66-47 defeat to the Magic and the 56-38 hammering by the Vixens.
Best game
There have been more important victories, but the Steel's surprise 65-64 win over the Vixens last season sticks out. It was not until the Steel was out of the running that it began to play its best netball, and the cliffhanger against the 2014 champions highlighted just what the side was capable of had it started the season more positively.
Worst game
The Steel crashed to new depths when it was humbled 66-47 by a Magic side it had beaten earlier during the 2012 campaign. The Steel had a relatively green side but there were still some very experienced campaigners in the squad and the record defeat did not sit well with the public.
Steel all-star team
(as named by the Otago Daily Times)
GS Jhaniele Fowler-Reid
No-one else got a look-in, to be honest. The towering Jamaican has been a bit off her game this season but has been the form player in the competition for the past two seasons.
GA Donna Wilkins
Pretty simple decision. Wilkins perhaps lacked Jodi Brown's passing game but was a much better shooter and was at her best in the big games. A real match-winner.
WA Liana Leota
Adine Wilson was a contender, but Leota made more impact for the Steel. Her trademark flair was a huge asset for the franchise.
C Jenny-May Coffin
A wonderful competitor and an inspirational leader. She was dynamic in the midcourt.
WD Wendy Frew
Both Sheryl Scanlan and Phillipa Finch could lay claim to the bib, but Frew gets the nod. Her durability and work off the ball gives her the edge.
GD Katrina Grant
She was still honing her craft while in the South, but had great vision right from the start.
GK Leana de Bruin
One of the best defenders in the world. The Steel was formidable when she was protecting the net.
Coach Robyn Broughton
Led the Steel to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2009 and 2010.
