Three Steel players will get to test their fast-twitch fibres when netball’s abbreviated form makes a comeback next month.
Netball New Zealand yesterday named its squad for the Fast5 World Series in Christchurch.
Led by head coach Debbie Fuller and assistant Julie Seymour, the Fast5 Ferns will play the condensed five-a-side version of the game alongside the world’s other five top-ranked teams on November 5-6 at Christchurch Arena.
Fast5 netball has not been played since 2018, when the New Zealand team won gold in Melbourne.
Two players — shooter Aliyah Dunn and midcourter Kimiora Poi — return from that team.
Steel defender Kate Burley, midcourter Georgia Heffernan and new recruit Sam Winders will get to wear the Fast5 bib next month.
Fuller, who was at the helm when the Kiwis pipped Jamaica in the final four years ago, said she was looking forward to guiding the team at a festival weekend that highlighted the flair and skill of some of the best athletes in netball.
"The Fast5 Ferns have a proud history ...and we’ll be doing all we can to continue that in front of our home crowd," Fuller said.
"Fast5 netball is such an exciting brand of our game and a chance for our athletes to showcase their skills in the different format.
"It is fast and fierce, but for the players and the crowd, it’s also a lot of fun."
New Zealand has dominated the Fast5 series since 2009, winning seven titles.
Fuller said the series was also an opportunity for the players to remain on the radar of national selectors with another pinnacle event on the horizon in the Netball World Cup in South Africa next year.
"Any chance our players have to get out on court against international opposition is the chance to put their best foot forward with next year in mind."
Teams of five players on court will compete in the shortened version of the game which includes shorter quarters, power plays and super shots.
The Fast5 Ferns will be joined by Australia, England, Jamaica, South Africa and Uganda for the two-day event.
Fast5 Ferns
The squad
Kate Burley, Aliyah Dunn, Tayla Earle, Georgia Heffernan, Kristiana Manu’a, Tiana Metuarau, Kimiora Poi, Elle Temu, Filda Vui, Sam Winders.
