Leigh Gibbs
Then: Played for the Silver Ferns from 1978 until 1987, including captaining them to a world title in 1987 in Glasgow.
Now: Involved in netball since retiring, coaching the Canterbury Flames, Silver Ferns (head and assistant coach), Mainland Tactix and working in coaching development roles.
Waimarama Taumaunu
Then: One of the toughest defenders around during her 10-year tenure and formed a fine duo with Tracey Fear. Captained the Silver Ferns for her final three years before retiring in 1991. Recalls being told off by coach Lois Muir a lot.
Now: Served two terms as the Silver Ferns assistant coach before being elevated to head coach from 2011-2015. Still heavily involved as Netball Central Zone high performance director and the Central Pulse defence coach. Daughter Tiana Metuarau captains the Pulse and was called into the Silver Ferns for the World Cup in Cape Town.
Annette Heffernan
Then: Considered herself Muir’s good luck charm. The defender suffered an unfortunate knee injury on the eve of the World Cup, forcing her to spent a lot of time with physio Marg Harp. Considered herself privileged to watch her team-mates from the sideline.
Now: Mother of Southern Steel stars Kate and Georgia Heffernan. Relishes still being involved in the game and watching her daughters flourish.
Silver Ferns wing attack Rita Fatialofa looks for a route past Australian defender Michelle Den Dekker in Dunedin in May 1984.PHOTO: ODT FILES
Rita Fatialofa
Then: Played with so much flair as one of the craftiest wing attacks to pull on the bib. Known for the "big eyes" nod that she was ready for any ball. Double international, representing New Zealand in softball.
Now: Coached Samoa to two World Cups and is now a retired school teacher. Has a strong connection to Dunedin through her mother, who trained as a minister at Knox College. Welcomed her first grandchild last week.
Julie Townsend
Then: The Central Otago netballer made her mark as a wing defence for the Silver Ferns. Muir referred to Townsend as her "fresh set of legs".
Now: Runs her own hospitality and events company. Previously worked for Netball New Zealand in the commercial department. Now sits on the Netball New Zealand board. Previously sat on the Northern Stars board. Proudly still fits her tracksuit from 1987.
Margharet Matenga
Then: One half of the legendary "two Margs" silky-smooth shooting duo, alongside Margaret Forsyth. Ruptured her Achilles and had her first child in the early 1980s, and has always been grateful to Muir for having her back.
Now: Lives in the Cook Islands, growing vanilla beans. Coached the Cook Islands international team for a stint in the 1990s. Has nine grandchildren. Has forgiven Muir for not playing her in the World Cup finals.
Angela Pule (Bell)
Then: The new cap for the 1987 team. The only left-handed player in the team — started as a defender and was converted to a shooter. Also spent more time than she wanted with Harp during the World Cup.
Now: No longer involved in netball. Has three children and is expecting her first grandchild. Moved to Australia, but now living in Whakatane.
Tracey Eyrl (Shortland)
Then: "Twirl" was a bolter in the 1986 side and became a reliable shooter for the Silver Ferns with her trademark headband. Retired — after previously taking a break for the birth of her first child — in 1995.
Now: Still proud to be the baby of the team. Eyrl lived in Australia for the past 26 years, working in a youth detention centre, helping young people in therapeutic programmes.
Tracey Fear
Then: The Australian-born defender was a force to be reckoned with in the circle with Taumaunu. Could reel in intercepts from anywhere. Another who was told off by Muir regularly.
Now: Mentors coaches in the ANZ Premiership and women in leadership roles with High Performance New Zealand. Has been married to her husband for 45 years with two children. Helped organise the reunion.
Joan Hodson (Solia)
Then: Known for her fun-loving and cheeky personality, Hodson became a prominent feature in the Silver Ferns midcourt until retiring in 1993. Remembered coming into the team in 1986 and immediately buying into the hurt they suffered in 1983 and wanting to rectify that.
Now: Had a spell coaching the Auckland Diamonds and also umpired at international level. Religious studies teacher in New Plymouth. Still as jovial as ever.
Sandra Edge
Then: One of the greatest midcourters to play for the Silver Ferns. One of the "young girls" in the 1987, she recalls being told off a lot.
Now: Still involved as Netball Wellington’s community performance manager, working in player and coaching development. Served as the Central Pulse assistant coach for three years. Married with two sons.
Margaret Forsyth, pictured talking to Magic players Grace Rasmussen (left) and Sam Sinclair after a game in 2017, died in 2021. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Margaret Forsyth
Then: The other half of the "two Margs" shooting duo. One of the best goal attacks to don the Silver Ferns dress.
Now: Coached the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic from 2017 to 2018 and assistant coach of the Fast 4 Ferns in 2017. Was serving her third term as a Hamilton city councillor when she died in 2021 from cancer.
