netball 2012

YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE 2012 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP

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CONTENTS

New Zealand

AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM LOCATIONS

MANAGING EdItorOliver Lee

EdItorIALRobert Tighe Peter White Kathryn Harby-Williams

PhotoGrAPhyMichael Bradley

dEsIGN/LAyouthurley new zealand limited

PrINtErWebstar, Masterton

PubLIshEr

PO Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand t: 0-9-486 6966E: [email protected]

CoPyrIGhtReproduction in whole or part by any means is prohibited.

dIsCLAIMErThe opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

ANNA THOMPsON, CAsey WiLLiAMs sHeRyL sCANLAN, AMBeR BeLLRiNgeR TeMePARA geORge, PHiLLiPA FiNCH

ANZ Championship Preview ............................................... 4 ANZ Fan Club ................................................................................ 7 easiyo Tactix .................................................................................. 8 First Windows Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic .................................. 10 Ascot Park Hotel southern steel ................................. 13Lg Mystics ................................................................................... 14

ANZ Championship 2012 Draw ......................... 16, 17Haier Pulse ................................................................................. 18Adelaide Thunderbirds ....................................................... 21 Melbourne Vixens .................................................................. 22NsW swifts ................................................................................. 25Queensland Firebirds ................................................ 26, 27West Coast Fever ................................................................... 29

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 4

NEw lOOK TEAMS IN 2012Boy a lot can happen in 12 months. there’s no Better example than the 2012 anZ championship. By Kathryn harBy-Williams

Take a look at the makeup of the teams, with five new coaches and 43 changes to the play-er roster (about a third). These figures are quite staggering and if nothing else they confirm that club loyalty is virtually dead and buried as the semi-professional era has well and truly taken hold of the sport.

Tipping the winner of a sporting competition is tough but to do so when so many players have changed allegiances – well it’s virtually impossible. Just look at last year. Very few of the experts placed the Firebirds in the top four and I’d be confident in saying none predicted they’d take out the title.

QuEENsLANd FIrEbIrdsDespite the challenge to predict the outcome of the comp, I am confident the Firebirds will

not suffer the same fate as the three previous winners the Swifts, Vixens and Thunderbirds, who all missed the top four the year after win-ning the title. Is a second title beckoning – possibly. They won the final last year without captain Lauren Nourse, who suffered a serious knee injury midseason. She is back and the players will be motivated to repeat their win for their very popular teammate. This team will be a powerhouse again in 2012 with bookends Aiken and Geitz leading the way.

LG NorthErN MystICsThe Mystics exceeded most people’s expec-tations in 2011. They have set the bar high but with another strong line up should be satisfied with nothing less than making the final. They will severely miss the experience of Joline Henry (Pulse) and Megan Dehn (retired). How-ever, English captain Jade Clarke is a handy acquisition and with a shooting combo of Latu and Tutaia, the sky’s the limit.

FIrst WINdoWs boP WAIKAto MAGICThey’re always in the hunt and 2012 will be no different. With the way the draw is structured, there’s always room for two NZ teams in the top four. The Magic will make the finals but again could fall short under pressure. Peta Scholz has retired but new recruit Leana de Bruin will strengthen their defensive line up immensely. The area that appears vulnerable is in attack and the ability to free up Irene Van Dyk.

NsW sWIFtsLast year’s captain and long serving spear-head Cath Cox was not wanted by new coach Lisa Beehag. They will feel the effects of her loss. A dominant goal shooter or goal attack is required to be amongst the front runners so all the pressure is on Susan Pratley to step up. There’s still plenty of talent with Gerrard, Moko-loma and Green but not quite enough.

MELbourNE VIXENsNo Sharelle McMahon (pregnant) – that says it all. They struggled without her after she was forced out with an Achilles injury and this sea-son will be no different. Strong defensively with Mentor, Chatfield and Corletto but shooters win games. Kate Beveridge will need to lift to another level.

AdELAIdE thuNdErbIrdsStruggled last year after losing some key play-ers from their premiership team but will be on the rise with the acquisition of former Aussie reps Renae Hallinan and Rebecca Bulley. They will provide Nat von Bertouch with great sup-port and may help launch them back into the top four.

AsCot PArK southErN stEEL A whole new outfit with new co-coaches Avel-lino and Southby and eight new players led by Donna Wilkins and Jodi Brown. The pair will provide plenty of excitement but the team will take time to gel so will find the going tough, particularly early on.

hAIEr PuLsE A rejuvenated Pulse will hit the court running. Robyn Broughton is at the helm and has a knack for getting the most out of her talent. Griffin, Henry and Selby Rickett are her prize recruits which should be enough to ensure the capital’s franchise achieves its best result since the competition started four years ago.

WEst CoAst FEVEr The only way is up for the westerners other-wise new coach Norma Plummer wouldn’t be at the helm. If Cath Cox and Caitlin Bassett connect they will be hard to stop. Former Swift Ashleigh Brazill will light up the midcourt so the defensive unit including Eng-land’s Eboni Beckford-Chambers and Susan Fuhrmann will be under the microscope. As al-ways Fever will battle with distance although I expect they’ll be extremely hard to beat at home and will battle with the Thunderbirds for a top four spot.

Easiyo tACtIX2011 was a very tough year for the Cantabrians for so many reasons. Leigh Gibbs will need to call on all her coaching experience to mould her team into a highly competitive unit. England’s exciting duo of defender Stacey Francis and shooter Jo Harten will add great depth to the squad and with a more settled training environment they’ll achieve more than last season.

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hoME ANd AWAy: Former Silver Ferns coach Leigh Gibbs is looking forward to locking horns with former Australian coach Norma Plummer in her first game in charge of the Tactix. The fact that it’s a long haul flight to Perth to play the Fever doesn’t faze Gibbs.

“I’m glad we’re having it so early in the season,” she says. “To have it first up when everyone is fresh is a bonus. Norma will bring her wealth of experience to the Fever and they’ve got a very good lineup so it will be a tough game to start with.”

sIdELINE VIEW: With just one win in each of their last two seasons, Gibbs has taken on a hell of a challenge.

“I’m not one to shy away from a challenge,” she laughs. “I watched the Tactix last year, before I ever thought about coaching the team, and I saw them go down to the wire against some of the big guns. If they had got some wins early on in some of those close games, who knows what would have happened.”

So what are her goals in her first season in charge? “Cer-tainly we want to get off the bottom of the table. We don't want to be the wooden spooners again. But we have a long term plan. We want every young netball player in the region to want to play for the Tactix and from there go on to play for national sides. That’s the long term view but we recognise it will take a little time.”

In the short term, Gibbs is really looking forward to the start of the season.

“I’m really excited to see the players we’ve been working with since November put it out on court. As a coach and a player you put so much time into the preparation. We’ve played practice games but there’s nothing like the real thing.”

Who’s hot: Last year was of course an incredibly difficult time for the city of Christchurch and the effects of the earth-quake were felt at the Tactix as well. Signing new players in the off-season proved a challenge, so the Tactix were given special dispensation by the ANZ Championship to sign a second import player. It’s a decision that allowed the Tactix to sign English internationals Jo Harten and Stacey Francis.

“Having the two English players living together, they are great support for each other and obviously they are a real boost to us,” says Gibbs. “Jo is the more experienced of the two. She’s a tall, mobile player and we’ve been very impressed with her capability and her speed. Stacey is a real hard working, aggressive, competitive player and we’ve been really pleased with the energy she’s brought to the team.”

tIP For thE toP: “All of them!” says Gibbs when asked what teams she expects to be fighting it out for playoff spots at the end of the season. “Experience has taught me that on any given day anything can happen in sport.”

EasiYo TacTix

Netball region: Canterbury

squad:Maree Bowdensophia Fenwickstacey FrancisAnna galvanKeshia grantellen HalpennyJo HartenKiley Hikawaielizabeth ManuFinau Pulu Anna ThompsonJoanna Trip

Coach: Leigh gibbs

Website: www.tactix.org.nz

tickets: see website for details

Contact: Level 2 455 Hagley Avenue Christchurch

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TACTIX HOPING TO TURN CORNERthe easiyo tactix have turned to a KiWi coaching legend after finishing Bottom of the taBle for the last tWo seasons.

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TEAM

wIN OR bUST FOR THE MAGIC one of the most consistent teams in the competition are fed up With the minor placings; they Want to taKe home the silverWare this season.

hoME ANd AWAy: The First Windows Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic face a difficult route to the playoffs with their closing three games against three of the competition favourites, the Mystics, Thunderbirds and Firebirds.

“When you play the best, that’s when you see how good you are – or not,” says Magic coach Noeline Taurua. “That’ll be a real tester for us.”

sIdELINE VIEW: Taurua is looking forward to getting a fully fit Casey Williams back for the start of the season after ankle surgery last year. “Casey and Laura (Langman) have both had some time off and it’s given them a new lease of life. They’re both young but they’ve been going for so long and the break for them has been a big bonus for us.”

Langman is Taurua’s captain and a tough taskmaster. “She’s top of fitness tests and her energy is probably the highest within the group,” says Taurua. “The standards she sets for herself are phenomenal and now she’s at an age where she’s demanding that from others.”

Williams and Langman are part of an experienced and settled squad, boosted by the signing of the competition’s joint MVP last year, Silver Ferns defender, Leana de Bruin. “It’s two years since Leana played for us and her leader-ship skills have improved and developed,” says Taurua. “She’s a no nonsense player. She sets the standard and she’s unhappy if it drops below that.”

It’s that attitude amongst her players that gives Taurua rea-sons to be optimistic ahead of the start of the season. “We’re training to win this competition and we’ve got to be confident enough in ourselves to put that out there.”

Who’s hot: Brad Pitt’s recent movie, Moneyball tells the story of a US baseball team that finds success by sign-ing players that are ignored or unloved by other teams. Taurua thinks Australian import, Khao Watts could be her Moneyball player.

“Khao is going to be our secret weapon,” says Taurua. “She’s played age group in Australia but was never picked up by any of their teams.” Watts was recom- mended by former Australia international Peta Scholz and Taurua liked what she saw when the youngster came to Tauranga for a trial. “She has all the qualities of a hard worker,” says Taurua. “She’s not a flashy player but if you look at the stats she’s very effective. I think she’ll go well.”

tIP For thE toP: Taurua is impressed by the Australian teams on paper. “The Thunderbirds are looking pretty hot,” she says. “They’ll definitely be top four. And you can’t go past the Firebirds after last year. I’ll be interested to see how Norma (Plummer) goes with the Fever. They’ve always been a team that’s pushed the top four but never quite been able to nail it but with Norma there things could be different. Now that I think about it, the top four could be any of the teams really.”

FiRST WiNDOWS WaikaTO/BaY OF PlENTY Magic

Netball regions: Netball Waikato/ Netball Bay of Plenty

squad:Leana de BruinLaura Langmanerena MikaereJulianna Naoupuelias shadrocksulu Tone-FitzpatrickJessica Tukiirene van DykJess WaitapuArahi WallKhao WattsCasey WilliamsCoach: Noeline Taurua

Website: www.netballmagic.co.nz


Contact: 84A First Avenue Tauranga

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TEAM

All CHANGE AT THE STEEl changes off and on the court maKes this a challenging season for the steel.

hoME ANd AWAy: The Steel face a tough start to the sea-son against the Magic but all eyes will be on their second game when they travel to Wellington to face the Pulse and former Steel coach, Robyn Broughton. “I’m sure a big deal will be made of that game,” admits co-coach Natalie Avellino, “but most of the girls in this team had no asso-ciation with the Steel when Robyn was here so we’ll be treating it like any other game.”

sIdELINE VIEW: The Steel are the first team in the ANZ Championship to opt for co-coaches and Natalie Avellino says the partnership between her and Janine Southby has been great so far. “I’ve been looking after the attack and Janine has been working with the defensive end and so far that seems to be working well,” says the former Australian player and SKY TV commentator.

Two heads may be better than one but Avellino is aware of the challenges facing the Steel. Losing Silver Ferns, Leana de Bruin, Paula Griffin and Liana Leota in the off-season was compounded by the withdrawal of Wendy Frew from the squad at the start of the season.

“A lot of people have written us off already,” says Avellino, “but have a look at the players we’ve got and who we can put on court – we’re actually not looking too bad. We’ve got a good mix of experienced players who are pretty smart and some younger ones coming through who are potential Silver Ferns. We’ve got some talent there.”

Given all the changes however Avellino isn’t getting carried away with goals for the team. “Obviously we’d like to be in

the top four but so would every team. We’ll be looking for a top six finish and if we make the top four, great.”

Who’s hot: The Steel are the fourth team in the ANZ Championship to sign Australian defender Demelza Mc-Cloud. After seasons with the Tactix (2008), Firebirds (2009) and Vixens (2010), Avellino is delighted to have such a well travelled player on board.

“Demelza is a very passionate player and she’s hard work-ing, like us Aussies are. She’s got a bit of mongrel in her and she’s a real work horse. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and she strives to be the best she can. That’s what we’re after; we need our players to train hard.”

At the attacking end, how well the experienced pair of Jodi Brown and Donna Wilkins gel could hold the key to the Steel’s season.

tIP For thE toP: Avellino says it’s hard to look past the top teams from last year. “The Mystics will be up there again and the Firebirds haven’t had too many changes so I’m sure they’ll be strong. The Thunderbirds and the Pulse have re-cruited well so it’s a matter of whether they can work together as a team and produce the goods on court. But I really think the Firebirds are a team that will stand out again.”

aScOT PaRk HOTEl SOuTHERN STEElNetball regions: Netball Otago / Netball southlandsquad:Jodi Brownshannon FrancoisPhillipa FinchDemelza McCloudstorm PurvisHayley saunderssheryl scanlanTe Paea selby-RickitAshleigh smithCourtney TairiLouise ThayerDonna WilkinsCoaches: Natalie Avellino / Janine southbyWebsite: www.southernsteel.co.nztickets: see website for detailsContact: stadium southland iLT Velodrome, invercargill

sHeRyL sCANLAN Te PAeA seLBy-RiCKiTJODi BROWN


TEAM

MYSTICS AIMING TO GO ONE bETTER after maKing the grand final last year the mystics looK set to Be strong contenders for this year’s title.

hoME ANd AWAy: The Mystics host the Pulse first up and coach Debbie Fuller is taking nothing for granted against Robyn Broughton’s team.

“I think the Pulse could surprise a lot of people this sea-son,” says Fuller. “Robyn Broughton is such an experienced coach and she knows the game so well. I’m concerned about that first game. Our second game is against the Magic who are one of New Zealand’s most consistent teams and they’ve retained their core and recruited well so our opening two games will be a real challenge.”

sIdELINE VIEW: After failing to make the playoffs for the first three seasons of the ANZ Championship, the Mystics finally made the breakthrough last year. Losing the Grand Final has given Fuller and her team all the motivation they need ahead of the new season. “We feel like we’ve got unfinished business,” says Fuller, “but one thing I’ve impress-ed upon the team is last year is history. We’re not going to dine out on the fact we were grand finalists last year. If we do and we sit back, the other teams will catch up.”

Fuller made a huge impression in her first season in charge last year and she credits attention to detail as the key to her success. “Playing the game is the easy bit. I’m proba-bly the most relaxed person on game day. The biggest challenge is being very specific in training and making sure the environment and the information we give to the players is spot on in terms of their needs.”

The Mystics have one of the most settled squads in the competition but that’s not necessarily a good thing accord-ing to Fuller. “Yes our players know each other extremely well but the other side of that is so does everybody else. Other teams will have analysed the way we play and having

an element of surprise is as important as having that understanding between players.”

Who’s hot: Despite two excellent signings in English captain Jade Clarke and promising New Zealand defender Charlotte Kight, Silver Ferns star and Mystics captain, Temepara George has impressed most in pre-season.

“We did a boxing circuit with Shane Cameron,” says Fuller, “and he put the girls through a fitness test and Temepara was last man standing. She continues to impress despite the fact this is her final season in the ANZ Championship. She’s an inspiration to the other girls. Temepara leads by actions and her resilience and dogged competitiveness re-ally sets the tone for this team.”

tIP For thE toP: “I think we’ll be there again,” says Fuller when asked to name the teams she thinks will make the playoffs. “I think the Magic will be there again. The Firebirds have retained most of their key players and with Lauren Nourse back from injury they’ll be strong again. I think the fourth place could be between the Thunderbirds and the Fever. And it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Fever do well this year with some changes in personnel and Catherine Cox providing leadership to their young squad.”

lg MYSTicSNetball regions: Netball North / Netball Auckland Waitakere/ Counties Manukau Netballsquad:Jade ClarkeKayla CullenTemepara georgeCharlotte KightCathrine LatuBailey MesJessica Mouldsgrace RasmussenRachel RasmussenAnna scarlettMaria TutaiaPortia WoodmanCoach: Debbie Fuller

Website: www.northernmystics.co.nztickets: see website for detailsContact: The Trusts stadium Arena, 65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland

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EASTER WEEKEND

Catch all the action of the ANZ Championship live on .

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 DRAwROUND DAY DATE LOCAL TIME HOME TEAM AWAY TEAM VENUE LOCATION

1 Saturday 31 March 1.50pm Thunderbirds Swifts Netball SA Stadium Adelaide

Sunday 1 April 2.20pm Firebirds Vixens Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane

Sunday 1 April 7.20pm Mystics Pulse The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Monday 2 April 7.40pm Steel WBOP Magic Stadium Southland ILT Velodrome Invercargill

Monday 2 April 5.40pm Fever Tactix Challenge Stadium Perth

2 Saturday 7 April 4.20pm Pulse Steel Pettigrew Green Arena Napier

Sunday 8 April 12.10pm Firebirds Thunderbirds Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane

Sunday 8 April 12.20pm Fever Vixens Challenge Stadium Perth

Sunday 8 April 7.20pm WBOP Magic Mystics Claudelands Arena Hamilton

Monday 9 April 7.40pm Tactix Swifts CBS Arena Christchurch

3 Sunday 15 April 12.10pm Firebirds Pulse Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane

Sunday 15 April 1.50pm Thunderbirds Vixens Netball SA Stadium Adelaide

Sunday 15 April 7.20pm Tactix Steel CBS Arena Christchurch

Monday 16 April 7.40pm Mystics Fever The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Monday 16 April 7.40pm Swifts WBOP Magic Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Sydney

4 Saturday 21 April 4.20pm Steel Fever Lion Foundation Arena Dunedin

Sunday 22 April 12.10pm Vixens WBOP Magic Hisense Arena Melbourne

Sunday 22 April 2.20pm Swifts Firebirds Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Sydney

Sunday 22 April 7.20pm Mystics Thunderbirds The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Monday 23 April 7.40pm Pulse Tactix Te Rauparaha Arena Porirua

5 Sunday 29 April 10.10am Fever Thunderbirds Challenge Stadium Perth

Sunday 29 April 2.20pm Vixens Firebirds Hisense Arena Melbourne

Sunday 29 April 7.20pm Pulse Mystics Arena Manawatu Palmerston North

Monday 30 April 7.40pm WBOP Magic Tactix Rotorua Events Centre Rotorua

Bye: Swifts / Steel

6 Sunday 6 May 12.10pm Swifts Pulse Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Sydney

Sunday 6 May 2.20pm Firebirds Mystics Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Gold Coast

Sunday 6 May 7.20pm WBOP Magic Fever TECT Arena Tauranga

Monday 7 May 7.40pm Tactix Vixens CBS Arena Christchurch

Monday 7 May 7.40pm Thunderbirds Steel Netball SA Stadium Adelaide

7 Sunday 13 May 11.40am Thunderbirds Fever Netball SA Stadium Adelaide

Sunday 13 May 2.20pm Swifts Vixens Allphones Arena Sydney

Sunday 13 May 7.20pm Steel Mystics Lion Foundation Arena Dunedin

Monday 14 May 7.40pm Pulse WBOP Magic Te Rauparaha Arena Porirua

Monday 14 May 7.40pm Firebirds Tactix Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane

8 Saturday 19 May 4.20pm Tactix WBOP Magic CBS Arena Christchurch

Sunday 20 May 12.10pm Vixens Mystics Hisense Arena Melbourne

Sunday 20 May 2.20pm Swifts Fever Newcastle Entertainment Centre Newcastle

Sunday 20 May 7.20pm Steel Firebirds Stadium Southland ILT Velodrome Invercargill

Monday 21 May 7.40pm Pulse Thunderbirds TSB Arena Wellington

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS SUNDAY


FinalS SerieS:Semi-Finals: Sunday 8 July and Monday 9 JulyPreliminary Final: Sunday 15 July or Monday 16 July (date to be confirmed)Grand Final: Sunday 22 July or Monday 23 July (date to be confirmed)

FOrMaTSEMI-fINALS:● 1 v 2 – minor premiers host major semi-final

(subject to venue availability)

● 3 v 4 – team finishing third host minor semi-final (subject to venue availability)

● Winner 1 v 2 directly into Grand Final. Loser hosts preliminary final (subject to venue availability)

● Winner 3 v 4 contests preliminary final against loser of major semi-final (subject to venue availability)

PRELIMINARY fINAL:● Loser of major semi-final hosts preliminary final against

winner of minor semi-final

GRAND fINAL:● Hosted by winner of major semi-final against winner of preliminary finalPlease note that game schedules are subject to change. Please check game details with home team or venue.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND NZ

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND AUSTRALIA

ROUND DAY DATE LOCAL TIME HOME TEAM AWAY TEAM VENUE LOCATION

9 Sunday 27 May 10.10am Fever Firebirds Challenge Stadium Perth

Sunday 27 May 2.20pm Vixens Swifts Hisense Arena Melbourne

Sunday 27 May 7.20pm Mystics Tactix The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Monday 28 May 7.40pm Steel Pulse Lion Foundation Arena Dunedin

Bye: Thunderbirds / WBOP Magic

10 Sunday 3 June 12.10pm Firebirds Swifts Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane

Sunday 3 June 2.20pm Vixens Thunderbirds Hisense Arena Melbourne

Sunday 3 June 7.20pm Tactix Pulse CBS Arena Christchurch

Monday 4 June 7.40pm WBOP Magic Steel Claudelands Arena Hamilton

Bye: Fever / Mystics

11 Sunday 10 June 11.40am Thunderbirds Firebirds Netball SA Stadium Adelaide

Sunday 10 June 12.20pm Fever Swifts Challenge Stadium Perth

Sunday 10 June 7.20pm WBOP Magic Pulse TECT Arena Tauranga

Monday 11 June 7.40pm Mystics Steel The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Bye: Vixens / Tactix

12 Sunday 17 June 12.10pm Vixens Fever Hisense Arena Melbourne

Sunday 17 June 2.20pm Swifts Thunderbirds Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Sydney

Sunday 17 June 7.20pm Mystics WBOP Magic The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Monday 18 June 7.40pm Steel Tactix Stadium Southland ILT Velodrome Invercargill

Bye: Firebirds / Pulse

13 Saturday 23 June 4.20pm WBOP Magic Thunderbirds TECT Arena Tauranga

Sunday 24 June 12.10pm Swifts Steel Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Sydney

Sunday 24 June 2.20pm Firebirds Fever Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Brisbane

Sunday 24 June 7.20pm Tactix Mystics CBS Arena Christchurch

Monday 25 June 7.40pm Pulse Vixens Te Rauparaha Arena Porirua

14 Saturday 30 June 4.20pm Steel Vixens Stadium Southland ILT Velodrome Invercargill

Sunday 1 July 11.40am Thunderbirds Tactix Netball SA Stadium Adelaide

Sunday 1 July 12.20pm Fever Pulse Challenge Stadium Perth

Sunday 1 July 7.20pm Mystics Swifts The Trusts Stadium Arena Auckland

Monday 2 July 7.40pm WBOP Magic Firebirds Claudelands Arena Hamilton


TEAM

bROUGHTON lOOKS TO REvIvE PUlSE the pulse Will Be hoping a neW coach and neW playing personnel heralds a neW era for netBall in the capital.

hoME ANd AWAy: If Robyn Broughton was hoping for an easy introduction to her coaching career with the Pulse, she hasn’t got it. First game up is a trip to the Mystics, then a visit from her old team, the Steel followed by an away game against last year’s champions, the Firebirds.

“It’s certainly a baptism of fire but we’ll get on with things,” says Broughton. “I’m looking forward to playing the Steel and catching up with Donna Wilkins. Donna has been a long time friend of mine and she’s said to me, ‘I can’t imagine you in yellow.’”

sIdELINE VIEW: Robyn Broughton coaching any other team apart from the Steel would have seemed unthinkable this time last year but the veteran is taking the move in her stride. “It’ll be a refreshing change but of course I’ll miss my friends and my netball girls in Invercargill,” says Broughton.

There’ll be some familiar faces at the Pulse. Paula Griffin and Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit both played under Brough-ton at the Steel last year, while her captain Katrina Grant spent the first two years of the ANZ Championship with the Steel.

“That helps but I’ve got eight or ten other players I haven’t worked with before and they’re adapting to me like I am to them. But I know all the players through high perform- ance work I’ve done and I like to think we’re on the same wavelength.”

Broughton likes the raw materials she has to work with at the Pulse. “Last year I admired the Pulse’s spirit. Publicly they were branded as losers but they weren’t losers. They

played with a lot of heart and I don’t think they got the results they should have. This season I hope they learn how to win, how to be mean and how to harden up. You need that doggedness and determination.”

Who’s hot: The Pulse look strong on paper. Broughton describes the signing of Joline Henry as ‘massive’ while the acquisition of shooter Paula Griffin could also be a shrewd bit of business. Griffin’s partnership in the shooting circle with Australian import, Caitlin Thwaites will be crucial to the Pulse’s chances. Thwaites, a dual international who has also played volleyball for Australia, impressed Brough-ton last year.

“I thought she had a really good season and I’ve enjoyed working with her. She’s a typical Australian,” laughs Brough-ton. “If you give her the ball in the right place at the right time, she’ll put it away for you.”

tIP For thE toP: “I think the Mystics look good,” says Broughton about who she thinks could win the title this season. “They got a taste for it last year and once you get that taste, you start thinking, ‘we can do this’, and it gives you motivation to do it again. I think the Australian teams are evenly balanced and they’ll be well prepared and a big challenge as usual.”

HaiER PulSENetball regions: eastern Netball /Western Netball /Netball Wellington /Tasman Netballsquad:Amber BellringerKatarina CooperKatrina grantPaula GriffinJamilah gupwellJoline HenryCamilla LeesNgarama Milner-OlsenTe Huinga Reo selby-RickitVictoria smithCaitlin ThwaitesDaya WiffenCoach: Robyn Broughton

Website: www.pulse.org.nztickets: see website for detailsContact: AsB sports Centre, Kilbirnie, Wellington

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TEAM

THUNDERbIRDS ARE GO the adelaide thunderBirds are determined to get BacK in the Winner’s circle after taKing out the title in 2010.

hoME ANd AWAy: The Adelaide Thunderbirds have a tough start against the Swifts, Firebirds and Vixens but coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson says there are no easy games in the championship.

“Part of the beauty of the competition is week to week you never can pencil in a win. We are happy to be home to the Swifts, as traditionally they have been arch rivals with us, and playing the defending champions (Firebirds) so early will test us. There are all sorts of permutations in round one but despite the tough start, three wins from three starts is what we are aiming for.”

sIdELINE VIEW: Last season’s sixth placing was disappointing, after winning the title in 2010, but coach Woodlands-Thompson was not overly surprised.

“It was a regeneration year and with World Youth Cup in 2013 we really wanted to expose some of our Adelaide talent and give them a go. But it was pretty evident we were down on experience with our young team, especially on defence where our stats were not good enough. Simply we just conceded too many goals.

“After winning the Premiership, everyone’s price goes up so the salary cap became an issue for us, but we are never happy finishing outside of finals. We are here to win it this year – no doubt about that – and the squad is definitely stronger than last year, so we expect our results to reflect that.”

The inspirational Natalie von Bertouch looks set to start after foot surgery and her form may well dictate how far the Thunderbirds will go this season.

“Nat is an integral cog in our world and she has been incredibly brave with her comeback. But we have other

players in the squad with plenty of experience so I expect the pressure to be shared among all 12 of them.”

Who’s hot: Woodlands-Thompson is excited about what new defenders Rebecca Bulley (Swifts) and Renae Hallinan (Vixens) will bring to the Thunderbirds.

“They are absolutely critical to us and are both tremendous athletes, plus Hallinan is a former Holden Australian Interna-tional Player of the Year. They have been immeasurably valu-able to us in rebuilding our culture. We are looking for some good leadership from them as well as their on-court skills.”

The Thunderbirds had an extension until March 23 to sign their 12th player, while waiting on Jamaican shooter Carla Borrego’s Australian citizenship, but with a longer delay expected young defender Amehlia Schmidt has joined the squad.

tIP For thE toP: Woodlands-Thompson picks last year’s champs as top picks for the playoffs.

“You can’t go past the Firebirds. They are the premiership team from last year and although they have lost Clare McMeniman, they are a year better off. The Thunder- birds will absolutely be there, as will the Mystics, but it is going to be such a battle for fourth. The Pulse are a sneaky outside chance, as are the Fever, but never underestimate the Vixens.”

aDElaiDE THuNDERBiRDSNetball region: south Australia

squad:emily Beaton erin Bell Carla Borrego Rebecca Bulley Renae Hallinan Cody Lange sharni Layton Madeleine Proud Melissa Rowland Kate shimmin Natalie von Bertouch Amehlia schmidt

Coach: Jane Woodlands- Thompson

Website: www.thunderbirdsnetball.asn.autickets: see website for details

Contact: PO Box 2082Hilton Plaza sA 5033

eMiLy BeATON NATALie von BeRTOuCHCARLA BORRegO


TEAM

vIXENS EYEING PlAYOFFS SPOTtWo years Without maKing the semis has made the 2009 champions desperate for success this season.

hoME ANd AWAy: Last year the Vixens started with four away games and coach Julie Hoornweg can’t believe her team has again been given the worst draw in the competition. They have three away games to start but Hoornweg says the road trip will certainly sort out where they stand early.

“We have Queensland first up so that will be a good test for us, then Perth and Adelaide. I guess the blessing is we are not in New Zealand in one of those three! The upshot is we have four straight at home to get the players fresh for finals.”

sIdELINE VIEW: Hoornweg is hoping for an injury-free season after the last two campaigns were decimated by injuries to key players.

“The impact of losing Julie Corletto in 2010 was massive, then last year Sharelle (McMahon) suffered a season end-ing injury halfway through that really hurt us. They’re two of our major players but since then we have worked really hard on ensuring our players are fairly strong and resilient in the off-season, so we are injury free across the season and have the choice of players throughout.”

Hoornweg has identified two key areas where the Vixens must improve in 2012 if they are to return to the playoffs.

“We need to have more flexibility and more options within our squad. We have been working very hard with our cen-tres to make sure we are very active and we make use of the opportunities we get. The other important area is our defensive pressure needs to increase because we didn’t turn over enough ball last year.”

The late withdrawal from the Vixens squad of the pregnant McMahon is an opportunity for younger shooters like Tegan Caldwell to step up and grab their chance, but there is no doubt the Vixens will miss McMahon’s skills and leadership.

Who’s hot: In her absence, the shooting pressure will fall on Caldwell, Ashlee Howard, Kate Beveridge and Karyn Howarth. Hoornweg says she is happy with the different skills they bring to the Vixens.

“Karyn is a highly talented player, nearly as tall as Kate Beveridge (1.93m), and is quite a mobile shooter, so she brings us added mobility and we can play her out as well. Ashlee is shorter like Tegan so we can actually put the two shorts on and look for some speed there, which gives us more options for combinations. Ashlee played at this level before as part of the 2009 winning team so she adds plenty of experience.”

Thunderbirds recruit Kara Richards is an excellent addition to the defensive end of the court while well-performed centre or wing defence Renae Hallinan is the only major departure.

tIP For thE toP: Hoornweg is expecting a tight cam-paign this year, with more teams in the frame for playoffs than in the past.

“You would expect the best of the Kiwis in the Mystics and Magic to be there, plus the Firebirds, although the defending champs don’t normally go well. The Swifts will be strong and us of course. We are really focused and confident of making it through.”

MElBOuRNE VixENS

Netball region: Victoria

squad:Kate Beveridge Madison Browne Tegan Caldwell Bianca Chatfield Julie Corletto Ashlee HowardKaryn Howarth geva Mentor Kara Richards Chelsey Tregear sarah Wall Micaela Wilson

Coach: Julie Hoornweg

Website: www.melbournevixens.com.au


Contact: Melbourne VixensPO Box 60North Melbourne ViC 3051

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NETBALLCHANGE THE GAME


TEAM

SwIFTS AFTER UlTIMATE GOAlthe sWifts hope a neW coach can drive the team to that elusive finals Berth.

hoME ANd AWAy: The Swifts have a mixed start with tough away games to the Thunderbirds and Tactix, follow-ed by five consecutive home games. Coach Lisa Beehag, in her debut season in charge, is not bothered about start-ing with two away games, although like all coaches would rather open the season in front of their own cheering fans. But Beehag sees the early stretch of home games as a major positive.

“Thunderbirds first up is going to be a huge challenge for us but also for them, because there will be huge expecta-tions on them in Adelaide. The games in a row are really nice for us to building our routines and getting into synch on a few things.”

sIdELINE VIEW: The Swifts have made the top four in the last two seasons, without going onto contest the final and emulate their championship victory in 2008. Beehag is ob-viously excited about the opportunity to coach the Swifts at ANZ Championship level and has a good smattering of experience and talented younger players with potential to work with.

“The Swifts have shown how good they are by making the top four and I don’t see that will change this year. Getting through to the grand final is something we need to look at, and how well prepared they were for that set of games last year, both physically and mentally. So keeping the players fresh for the final surge to the title is the key for us.”

Holden Australian International Player of the Year Kimber-lee Green will again be the focus through mid-court for the Swifts. Beehag knows her form will be crucial.

“She had a great year with the Aussie team and we are giving her more responsibility with the leadership of the

group this year. We place a lot on what she does as being very important in how the team goes. But she is one of 12 and we hope to have the variety in our group to do things that may not involve her.”

Who’s hot: The Swifts have gained invaluable experi-ence in 25-year-old wing defence Joanne Sutton, who won the title with the Thunderbirds. Beehag is particularly excited with the home grown talent in goal shoot Kimberly Borger, defenders Samantha May and April Letton, and wing attack Kristy Guthrie.

“We have some youngsters coming forward and we need to nurture and develop them. We need to look at the bal-ance of our team as far as age is concerned and make sure the future is always looked after.”

tIP For thE toP: Beehag immediately goes for the Swifts, not surprising as she is already planning on how to get her players up to make another final. She also expects the Mystics and Magic to be in there.

“I don’t see why you could discount the Firebirds, if they can overcome the Premiership winning curse that every other winning team has not been able to overcome. But I am certainly not discounting the Thunderbirds either by any means.”

NSW SWiFTS

Netball region: New south Wales

squad:Kimberly BorgerCarla DziwokiMo’onia gerrardKimberlee greenKristy guthrieApril Lettonsamantha Maysonia Mkolomasusan PratleyJoanne suttonVanessa WareAmorette Wild

Coach: Lisa Beehag

Website: www.nswswifts.com.au


Contact: Netball NsW PO Box 396 Lidcombe NsW 1825

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FIREbIRDS AFTER REPEAT wINdefending champions the Queensland fireBirds Would love to repeat the feat this year – something never done Before in the anZ championship.

ROMeLDA AiKeN

2013 Golden Oldies World Netball Festival heads stateside to the City of San Diego

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Catch it if you canGolden Oldies World Netball is designed especially for netballers over the age of 35 years who still have the desire to get out onto the court, enjoy the camaraderie of a team sport, shoot some hoops and also go on tour to exciting destinations...

What we arrange for you• The best three days of netball in your life• Team transfers to hotels, functions and matches

throughout the week• Seven nights accommodation• Parade and Opening Ceremony• Festival souvenir, Festival newspapers and giveaways• Three of the best social functions you will ever attend – Food, drink, entertainment and dancing included – Welcome Party – The Great Golden Oldies Festival Picnic Day – Grand Finale and Air New Zealand Awards Ceremony

For full information on the Festival contact the Golden Oldies World Netball SecretariatPhone: +64 9 336 2783 Fax: +64 9 336 3330 Email: [email protected]

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hoME ANd AWAy: The Firebirds have landed the ideal draw with three consecutive home games. Coach Roselee Jencke says it is a chance to build confidence from the start.

“Everyone likes to have early home games because it gives you the chance to get your fans behind you right off, and hopefully put points on the board early. There are no easy games though, so if you don’t turn up prepared you are likely to come undone and get beaten.”

sIdELINE VIEW: Jencke has made it very clear to her team and supporters that they start afresh in 2012 after their stunning victory in last year’s Grand Final against the Mystics. The Firebirds took first bragging rights by winning the preseason tournament held in Tauranga in early March but Jencke is not getting carried away.

“2011 we were champions – 2012 we are not champions. That is as simple as it is as we start all over again and reas-sess what we need to do to achieve success. We might wear that tag of champions but we don’t see it like that. Every other team is at the same stage as we are. No one is better than anyone else and that is the way we see the competition right now.”

After finishing fifth in the 2008-2010 seasons, Jencke says last year’s turnaround was caused by general maturity in the squad.

“A key thing was how the players had a better understand-ing of themselves and showed a huge amount of respect for each other. Aerobically we were fitter and a lot stronger and more powerful out on the court. The same applies this year and the girls have been following fitness programmes leading up to the start.”

One player who will be missed by the Firebirds is outstand-ing defender Clare McMeniman who retired after last year’s victory. Jencke knows it will not be easy to replace her on-court leadership.

“It will not be easy to replace a player of her quality and calibre overnight. She had great leadership qualities and was the complete player.”

Who’s hot: Goal defence/goal keep Jacinta Messer and goal defence/wing defence Shannon Eagland are new to the squad. Jencke says they both bring added value to the Firebirds.

“Jacinta is a Queenslander and a very strong player techni-cally. She has a strong presence on the court and is also a very smart player. Shannon is a versatile player who can cover both defence and the centre court. She is also very young at 21 and is still developing her game, but is already tactically very good.”

tIP For thE toP: Jencke laughs she will have to put her team up as the first choice to make the playoffs but says it is tough picking out of the other teams.

“I like the Magic and the Mystics’ chances and probably the Fever to slide in there, but there is so much talent spread across all the teams that anyone of them could get on a roll and get into that top four.”

TEAM

QuEENSlaND FiREBiRDS

Netball region: Queensland

squad:Candice Adams Romelda Aiken shannon eagland Laura geitz elissa Macleod Natalie Medhurst Jacinta Messer Lauren Nourse Chelsea Pitman Amy steel Keirra Trompf Ameliaranne Wells

Coach: Roselee Jencke

Website: www.firebirds.net.au


Contact: PO Box 50Moorooka QLD 4105

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TEAM

FEvER PITCHthe West coast fever have Been perennial poor performers But an australian coaching legend might just turn that around.

hoME ANd AWAy: Two home games give the fans an early look at the Fever and then a team bonding road trip to New Zealand. Former Diamonds coach Norma Plummer is happy with the draw to start her debut season.

“We are staying in Auckland for a week and the Australian hockey team will be there at the same time so it will be a good opportunity to have a break watching them. I am going to make use of the time to order weights sessions and keep track of fitness. Our bye comes at a very good time in round 10 if we are pushing for the top four.”

sIdELINE VIEW: Plummer brings an unsurpassed interna-tional coaching record to the Fever and loves being back at the helm coaching a team in a day-to-day capacity. But she knows she has a lot to do to turn around very average performances over the years.

“You hear a lot of winging over here in Perth about being left out because we are over the other side of the country. You can only keep that going for so long. Other teams here are starting to stand up and it is time the Fever did. We have mostly a young group of players who are inex-perienced in a lot of ways but fantastic talents. For them it is all about commitment. My expectation is that players want to be here for the right reasons. The players realise they have to put in extra work to make it and I must say the commitment so far has been fantastic.”

Who’s hot: Plummer has strengthened the squad at both ends of the court with Australian legendary shooter Cath Cox and well-respected England defender Eboni Beckford-Chambers.

“The maturity of Cath to lead the team will be vital as they are rather young. She does a lot of work in keeping the

logistics of the team very strong and lets me know if any-one is dropping off. There are so many things she brings to the game and she knows all about the right balance and pulling the whole team together.”

Beckford-Chambers joins Ashleigh Brazill and Susan Fuhr-mann in a world class defensive trio that any team would be proud of.

“Eboni is just 23 and she is an extremely powerful player. She is soaking up every new movement we are adding to her game and though she hasn’t played a lot at goal defence, I think with our fitness programme she’ll manage that.”

tIP For thE toP: Plummer says making the final four is a major objective this year for the Fever so she includes her team in the semis.

“The other teams are so evenly matched but I will definitely go with the Mystics and you can’t go past last year’s champs the Firebirds, as they have only lost a couple of players. For an outsider I would say Adelaide Thunderbirds might sneak in there for a place in the four.”

WEST cOaST FEVER

Netball region: Western Australia

squad:Caitlin Bassett eboni Beckford- Chambers shae Bolton Ashleigh Brazill Catherine Cox sarah east susan Fuhrmann Andrea gilmore Chanel gomes Josie Janz Verity simmons Nikala smith

Coach: Norma Plummer

Website: www.westcoastfever.com.au


Contact: Netball Western AustraliaPO Box 930 subiacoWA 6904

susAN FuHRMANN sHAe BOLTONeBONi BeCKFORD-CHAMBeRs

2012... who will it be?

QUAD SERIES

CONSTELLATION CUP

INTERNATIONAL NETBALL IN 2012 . . .YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

The Silver Ferns and the Australian Diamonds battle it out on court in this three test series. Both teams will have travelled from test one in Australia and the Silver Ferns will need skill and determination to secure the coveted Constellation Cup.

Thursday 20 September Vector Arena, Auckland Sunday 23 September CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchurch

Four teams take to the court to compete in a Quad Series event. Played over two-and-a-half weeks

across New Zealand and Australia, the Silver Ferns, Australian Diamonds, England and South Africa will

each play 6 matches with the series culminating in Hamilton. Don’t miss your chance to see four

world class teams do battle on court.

Thursday 25 October TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

Sunday 28 OctoberStadium Southland, Invercargill

Thursday 1 November Claudelands Arena, Hamilton

The top six netball nations descend on Auckland in November for the fourth annual FastNet tournament. With shortened quarters, power plays and rolling subs,

you cannot afford to miss this dynamic version of the game.

Played over three days, Vector Arena and Auckland City will be buzzing with netball action … don’t miss your chance to be there!

9-11 NovemberVector Arena, Auckland

For more information visit www.mynetball.co.nz Check back throughout the year for ticket information including travel packages to FastNet

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