The players often talk about the raucous Invercargill crowd and the way it lifts the team while intimidating the opposition.
It is the sort of thing you could look at as simply being good PR.
But the numbers suggest it may actually be the toughest challenge in New Zealand netball — one the Mainland Tactix will face tomorrow night.
The Steel has played at Stadium Southland 21 times since the ANZ Premiership began in 2017.
It has won 19 of those matches.
The first loss was an elimination final upset by an inspired Northern Stars side in 2019.
The second was a thrashing from the Central Pulse on the second night of a double-header, against a tired and banged-up side at the end of last year’s Covid-adapted league.
Both games had special circumstances surrounding them.
Tonight’s match will not — and in your regular round-robin match, the Steel has not lost in Invercargill since the Australian teams still were in the competition.
The team has, for the most part, been very good through that period as well.
But it has also lost 17 of its 42 matches played elsewhere.
Even this season the Steel has delivered two useful wins at home, while claiming victory in just one of its three away matches.
The first of those wins came against the Tactix a month ago, a 54-36 demolition
It was an upset at the time, although the Steel has shown itself to be a much better side than many gave it credit for heading into the season.
The Tactix are without a key player in former Steel shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
Since returning to the goal attack bib, Selby-Rickit has made a significant difference to the Tactix.
They were edged by the Northern Mystics by one goal in her first outing of the year, while they have since claimed two wins.
While she will be key, the side has strength throughout the court.
Navigating the defensive pressure of Jane Watson and Karin Burger will be key for the Steel.
It did so well in their last meeting, finding English goal shooter George Fisher — who showed her class to the competition for the first time.
Fisher is a more well known quantity now, though, and the Tactix defence will have a better idea of how to target her.
The Tactix also boasts a strong midcourt threat in Kimiora Poi, who will duel with Kate Heffernan in what will likely be a thrilling contest between the two centres.
The match begins at 6.15pm.
Steel v Tactix
Invercargill, tonight, 6.15
Steel: Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai’inaea, George Fisher, Tiana Metuarau, Kiana Pelasio, Taneisha Fifita, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Sarahpheinna Woulf.
Tactix: Jane Watson, Karin Burger, Kimiora Poi, Charlotte Elley, Samon Nathan, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Ellie Bird, Sophia Fenwick, Kate Lloyd, Jess Prosser, Hannah Glen.
