Netball Premiership starts in uncertain times
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The ANZ Premiership gets its 10th season this weekend in what will be an intriguing competition with so many stars leaving to play in Australia and the issues over Silver Ferns coaching and Netball NZ, lower player payments and so on. .
The new squads mean there is no real favourites going into the competition with each franchise rebuilding from last season won by the Tactix.
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Since the competition began in 2017, four of the six teams have lifted the trophy, underlining the balance and competitiveness of the league. The Ascot Park Southern Steel claimed titles in 2017 and 2018, followed by Pulse (2019, 2020, 2022), Mystics (2021, 2023, 2024) and the Tactix in 2025.
Thee competition again features a two-round format across a 12-week season, with 30 round-robin matches leading into a two-game Finals Series. Matches will be played across weekends, with two games on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Defending champions Tactix Head Coach Donna Wilkins said the team is embracing a new chapter heading into the season.
“We’ve got a new-look team this season, with seven changes from last year, so there’s been a real focus on building connections and integrating everyone into the Tactix environment,” she said.
“The group has been working hard leading into our opening round at home, and while the personnel may look different, our mindset hasn’t changed. Protecting our home court will be vital to our success.”
The season opens with the Pulse hosting the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic at TSB Arena in Wellington at 4pm on Saturday April 11th.
The Tactix then host the Southern Steel at 7pm in Christchurch, before the Stars take on the Mystics at Pulman Arena in Auckland at 4pm on Sunday.
