The year that was
There is no hiding from the fact the Silver Ferns performances were largely overshadowed by the outside noise.
But nine wins from 12 tests warrants an above average mark for the year on the court.
Coach Noeline Taurua was stood down less than two weeks out from the opening test and that news has been the dark cloud this season will be remembered for.
It triggered an outcry from the public, who felt the national coach, who has held the role since 2018, was being hung out to dry.
Yvette McCausland-Durie stepped up to fill the void, but Taurua was reinstated ahead of their third test against Australia "effective immediately" - but will not actually re-join the team until 2026.
All that played out in the background during one of the longest campaigns - outside of a pinnacle year - in recent memory.
It started back in January with a two-game series against the NSW Swifts in place of the traditional Quad Series.
The Silver Ferns then suited up for a three-test Taini Jamison Trophy series against South Africa in September.
They made a clean sweep of that series, thanks to a last-minute intercept from Maddy Gordon in the final test to secure a 57-56 victory in Invercargill.
Then came the big test against world No 1 Australia. The Diamonds pumped the Silver Ferns by 17 goals in both of the opening two tests.
That was not pretty for the Silver Ferns, who were struggling to connect and find any flow through the court.
In the wake of the news Taurua had been reinstated, the Silver Ferns turned the tables to beat the Diamonds 61-52 and 62-57 on home soil.
They lost the series decider - a 14-minute game played after the final test - 12-11, which was a blow. That will be what fans remember from that night, not the Silver Ferns win.
They then headed north, trouncing Scotland 63-41 and 80-48 in Glasgow ahead of a three-test series against England.
The Silver Ferns won two of the three tests against the Roses to lock away their second trophy of the season.
They played some really good netball in patches and developed the deeper the season went on, which is crucial as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games next year.
But they were inconsistent at times and guilty of not putting the foot down when they needed most to punish teams.
Some positions are a work in progress, but new players were blooded to add future depth.
Best performance
The third test against Australia in Hamilton was a beauty. Backs against the wall, two thrashings by 17 goals and they turned around to beat the Diamonds 61-52. Any time Diamonds captain Liz Watson is benched is always a win.
Worst performance
That second loss to Australia was a hard watch. Collected no ball defensively, disjointed attack and played right into the Diamonds’ hands.
Three best players
Grace Nweke. Always the first name written down. Had some shaky early games against the Diamonds in Australia, but came home strong. Cannot fault a player who shoots 50 goals from 50 attempts.
Maddy Gordon. The midcourter’s brilliant form is something of a headache for selectors. Gordon has proven this season she is the best centre and wing attack in the black dress. If only she could be cloned.
Kate Heffernan. Often sneaks under the radar as an unsung wing defence, but has been one of the big ball-getters this season. Heffernan’s pressure saw teams trial multiple wing attacks against her to find a way around. Her ability to look long from the centre third too was a point of difference.
Most promising
Always exciting to see players get their shot and deliver. Catherine Hall is one of those. The young Auckland defender was the spark off the bench. Offers something different and has a big future ahead of her.
Starting seven
Grace Nweke, Georgia Heffernan, Maddy Gordon, Kimiora Poi, Kate Heffernan, Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson.
The questions
1. Is this a Commonwealth Games winning squad?
2. Will any of the players who were unavailable make themselves free for 2026? And is there still a spot for them?
3. Does Noeline actually have the support of the dressing room? And will she actually walk if not?
4. Where does Maddy Gordon start when she is the best in two positions?
5. What is the recipe for the Silver Ferns getting more ball?
6. Should the Silver Ferns play more tests ahead of the Commonwealth Games?
7. Could Martina Salmon be a decent goal attack with a domestic season under her belt?
8. Does anyone truly appreciate the role Yvette McCausland-Durie has played this year? Netball New Zealand are forever in her debt.
Where to now
The Silver Ferns break for the summer and players link up with their domestic teams ahead of the 2026 season.
Nweke (Swifts), Kate Heffernan (Thunderbirds), Gordon and Jackson (Firebirds) and Burger (Lightning) will all head across to Australia for the Super Netball season, while the rest suit up for the ANZ Premiership.
No January test series has been announced, so it is safe to assume the next time we will see the black dress in action is at the Commonwealth Games. Taurua will have taken over the reins by then - but a limited build-up could make the pinnacle event an intriguing one.
