We preview the 2020 ANZ Premiership and ask can anyone beat the Pulse? We talk to an Australian correspondent about who the next Diamonds' coach might be, and look at a world first study into netball fans.
Former Silver Fern and international umpire Joan Hodson, former Pulse captain Cushla Lichtwark, and Kiwi Netball Show producer Bridget Tunnicliffe offer their top three picks for 2020.
Joan Hodgson in action during the netball match between the Silver Ferns and Trinidad and Tobago, 1992. Photo: Photosport
Joan Hodson's top three:
Pulse - "I can't see anyone touching the Pulse. If they are going to play like they do I can't see anyone touching them at all. All over the court they are just solid."
"That midcourt, like Maddy Gordon she's exciting. I can't wait to see her in full flight, and her and Claire Kersten will possibly share that centre birth, with Tiana [Metuarau] at wing attack.
Southern Steel - "I really like the inclusion of Kate Heffernan as their wing defender, she had a great season last season and she'll just push on as well. And the defence these guys have got - Abby Erwood, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Taneisha Fifita probably was the stand out for me last year, what an exciting player she is."
"And with Kalifa McCollin coming in and having such a good pre-season, a really exciting team."
Northern Mystics - "I'm really impressed with the Northern Mystics line up ...I think that the combination of Grace [Nweke] and Bailey Mes will be amazing and Elisapeta Toeava and Taylor Earle are probably the two most exciting players within the whole ANZ premiership."
Cushla Lichtwark's top three:
Pulse - "It's an absolutely solid defensive end. I think Kelly Jury has got quite a different game to Sulu Fitzpatrick so I think that's where you may see a slight change in style."
"And they have a lot of options. For example, we saw that in a couple of games last year ...where Karin Burger did have a quarter at goal keep and it was about her hunting out of the circle which is a natural game for her, to give them different options regardless of whatever scenario they came into, come play-off time."
Tactix: "I'm going to say the Tactix are going to be a surprise this year."
"They've done really well compared to some of the other franchises in the off season to [recruit Te Paea Selby-Rickit] and balance out their whole squad."
"Really exciting defensive end ...Jane Watson is exciting by herself but just the dynamic nature of Temalisi Fakahokotau is a really exciting combination that I'm looking forward to seeing."
Steel: "The Steel and I think the Mystics are there or there abouts. I'm keen to see how quickly they [Mystics] settle given they've obviously brought a lot of players through. Last few rounds, that battle to get into the top three is going to be really challenging and that's what we want from a competition."
National Bank Cup 2004. Wellington Shakers Cushla Litchwark intercepts a pass to the Sting's Tania Dalton. Photo: Photosport
Bridget Tunnicliffe's top three:
Pulse - "I can't really spot any weaknesses in the Pulse roster. They're so strong across the whole court and kind of look like a team on a mission. Their defensive end is stacked - Karin Burger, Katrina Rore, and Kelly Jury. And Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio are an enviable shooting combination."
Tactix - "I feel the goal attack position has been holding the side back a bit and coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek's top priority in the off-season would have been to get a top GA, and she's done that in signing Te Paea Selby-Rickit. I think Ellie Bird will also thrive with Selby-Rickit there. We know Jane Watson and Temalisi Fakahokotau will win heaps of ball although expectations should be tempered a little with Fakahokotau. When she topped all the main defensive stats in 2018 she was the fittest she's ever been. There's probably some work to do before she gets back to that physical shape."
Magic - "There was something about the way they played at the pre-season tournament that made me think the Magic might surprise a few teams this year. Goal shooter Kelsey McPhee looked a step faster and they've got a powerful midcourt with Whitney Souness, who can wedge herself into the tightest spaces, an excellent pick-up."
