Blink and you’ll miss it. The ANZ Premiership is already at the halfway point — and the Southern Steel sit at the top. Netball writer Kayla Hodge offers a midterm report.
Southern Steel
Well that is some turnaround. The Steel were poor in their opener against the Tactix, but since then have gone on a four-game winning streak to sit at the top of the ANZ Premiership. When is the last time they held top spot?
Three years ago they went 21 games without a victory — now they are on the other end of that, stringing together strong back-to-back performances. They are proof that smart, simple netball still works.
They have found the ability to put their foot down when they have the lead, giving them a buffer to hold teams out when they fight back.
Kimiora Poi has come into some form of late, Carys Stythe is pushing her case for the black dress again, as is Georgia Heffernan, who pairs nicely with Aliyah Dunn. Young guns Serina Daunakamakama and Khayne Lii’ Munro-Nonoa’s work rate cannot be overestimated and Renee Savai’inaea is the unsung hero of the side wrapping up the opposition’s wing attack.
The Steel now have a great platform to build from in the second half of the season, enabling them to push for their first playoffs since 2021.
Mainland Tactix
There were plenty of questions about the defending champions after having lost the bulk of their squad. That was quickly put to bed.
The Tactix hold a 4-1 record, but have a lower goal percentage to sit second. When is the last time two South Island teams were No 1 and No 2?
Amorangi Malesala has been sharp at the post and directed the attack end. Australian Ash Barnett has been a coup, leading the league with 12 defensive rebounds and second-equal for intercepts, while fellow defender Laura Balmer is third for deflections (25). They lost their final rematch with the Mystics, but have found a way to win every other game. Expect them to be in the playoffs.
Northern Mystics
The Mystics have been a mixed bag. They lost to the Steel and the Stars, but have beaten the Magic and Tactix. They were plagued with injuries in the opening rounds, but many expected them to be higher, considering they retained seven from 2025 and welcomed back Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka from maternity leave.
Catherine Hall has lifted another level. The defender leads the league for deflections (38) and intercepts (18) and is second for defensive rebounds (10). Wing attack Peta Toeava leads the league for feeds (195).
Maia Wilson has taken a moment to settle into her new side after shifting across from the Stars and has been rotating with young shooter Sophia Lafaiali'i.
Northern Stars
Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon have formed a tall and strong connection in the shooting circle, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is the engine in the middle and Claire O’Brien has added plenty since shifting from the Magic. She leads centre pass receives (116) and sits third in feeds (166), behind Reuelu-Buchanan (178).
They pull together some standout passages but are guilty of having lapses and need to figure out how to close out games. A strong playoffs contender.
Central Pulse
The Pulse are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021. They have a record of 1-4. Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who returned to the Pulse from the Magic, looks fitter than ever and co-captain Parris Mason never gives up. But they just have not clicked through the court and struggle to score from turnover ball.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic
Always a tough season when you are yet to record a win. The Magic have had nice patches but have been unable to be consistent and sustain their momentum for a whole game. Positives include Georgie Edgecombe, who is a standout, and Ali Wilshier, who is second for centre pass receives (115). Hopefully Saviour Tui returns from injury soon.
