Like the 21-18 win by the Wallabies v Fiji in Rugby, we also saw a four-point match (56-52) at the same time with the Mystics over Steel.
Now Steel not out of Top 3 just yet as sure they can finish the 10-week season on a high v the Stars at home next Monday but it all depends on Magic if they can beat Central Pulse come Saturday afternoon.
Steel has come from a long way since Wendy Frew was in charge at the start of this year and even though they may have fallen short, they can put a pat on their back – at least they won’t finish very last like it was over the past two seasons.
Plus, shoutout to Kate Heffernan on her 100th game in the ANZ Premiership competition that goes back to 2018 when she was 18 and also played a bit as opening bowler for the White Ferns v West Indies. But she’s sure has netball in her blood as always alongside her sporting family including her twin who plays Goal Attack at the Steel Georgia – and yes, the best of Kate will continue to come later this year mainly at WD for the Silver Ferns.
Time will tell though if she does want to play Super Netball I don’t know in which the rumours are true with 2026 a commonwealth year & the 2027 World Cup down under but we shall see.
Meanwhile to Mystics, you cannot underestimate their impressive goal-shooting options on top of their stable defensive back three. As long as Donnell Wallam stays fit – which she brings the same calibre as former Mystic and now a Swift in Grace Nweke – this could be their secret weapon to take home that ANZ Premiership trophy yet again for 2025.
Looking at Wallam, she’s not just your go-to goal shooter but Donnell is also a team player that got the best out of Filda Vui.
Not only that, even though she’s an Aussie diamond with loads of experience across Super Netball and in the UK, she’s even sending a message right there to Saviour Tui from the Magic when it comes to those lay ups close to the net – you never know what could happen later this year if Saviour gets picked by the Ferns for the International leg. Now the hard work continues on at the right time for Donnell to keep what she does well and if she can do that, no surprise for her to add another trophy that will make selectors reconsider and Donnell’s still eligible too.
Then there’s no need for an intro with Wing Attacker Peta Toeava who does not hesitate but takes action every time that allows her to find her shooters. It’s all about timing and communication so she can turn that magic into quick and long bombs with 24 goal assists, 18 centre pass received and 36 feeds – no wonder she plays the role nicely that extends into sometimes GA only as a Plan B/C option.
Back to Steel now and that former Mystics player at Goal Keep Carys Stythe continues to reap those defensive rewards where her present side over in the South were not far off the pace from start to finish. At the ripe age of just 22, it’s also her 50th game too which goes to show why she wants to test herself elsewhere, and how the Steel got away with a good defensive foundation that turns into goals at the other end under her watch. Unlucky there with the narrow loss when a few odd errors and selection gambles may not have paid off this time around unlike the one v Pulse but they’ve definitely improved this season.
There’s one game to go in Round 9 of 10 with the Mainland Tactix hosting the 5th-placed Magic in Christchurch tomorrow night and then there’s one more round to go before the Top 3 ladder is all but settled for Finals time.
