Amelia Walmsley: Silver Ferns Goal Shooter Profile

Amelia Walmsley is one of the tallest and most closely watched shooters in New Zealand netball. Standing 1.92 metres, she rose from school netball at Howick College to a full contract with the Central Pulse, an international debut for the Silver Ferns in 2023, and a high-profile move to the Northern Stars for the 2026 season. This profile looks at her career so far, the injuries she has fought back from, how her game is developing across the Goal Shoot and Goal Attack roles, and why she matters to New Zealand’s plans for the 2027 Netball World Cup.

From Howick College to the Central Pulse

Born on 31 January 2004, Walmsley was fast-tracked into the elite game, signing a full-time contract with the Central Pulse straight out of Howick College in Auckland in 2022. She had already appeared in the ANZ Premiership as a teenage replacement player. In 2022 she was part of the Central Pulse squad that won the ANZ Premiership title, though her court time that year was limited and much of her netball was played in the National League.

Her breakthrough came in 2023. Thrust into a regular starting role, she took on the bulk of the Pulse’s shooting load and delivered consistently high accuracy, quickly establishing herself as one of the competition’s most reliable circle targets. That domestic form earned her a first Silver Ferns call-up.

Silver Ferns debut and international rise

Walmsley made her Silver Ferns debut on 27 September 2023 against the England Roses, becoming Silver Fern #184. She stayed on court for the full match and shot at around 88 percent as New Zealand won 57–36, an assured first outing against a strong international defence. She has since become a regular in Dame Noeline Taurua‘s squad, and the Silver Ferns’ records list her with 18 test caps.

Adapting to international defence

International netball demands more than height. Walmsley has worked on her footwork and timing so she can create space against tight marking, and her transition was smoothed by established combinations with former Pulse midcourters such as Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness. Understanding how the shooting positions link with the midcourt helps explain her value; the different netball positions each carry specific responsibilities on the court.

Injuries and resilience

Walmsley’s rise has not been smooth. During the 2024 season she tore a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL, a stabilising ligament at the back of the knee) and fractured her tibia (shinbone). The injury left her in a brace and non-weight-bearing, and sidelined her for around eight rounds of the ANZ Premiership. She returned for the business end of the season and, in a match that decided the Pulse’s route to the final, dislocated both shoulders yet kept playing — going on to contest the final heavily strapped.

Managing workload and recovery

The physical toll of back-to-back domestic and international seasons has made workload management a priority. Working with Netball New Zealand’s high-performance staff, Walmsley has focused on strength and conditioning to protect her joints, on landing mechanics to reduce lower-limb risk, and on recovery routines to guard against burnout and illness. She has spoken openly about these struggles, which has made her a relatable figure for younger players.

A versatile shooter: Goal Shoot and Goal Attack

Although Walmsley is a natural Goal Shoot (GS) — the shooter who holds close to the post — she is increasingly comfortable at Goal Attack (GA), the more mobile shooting role that also feeds the circle and works harder in defence. That flexibility makes the attacking end harder to predict and gives selectors more options. The table below sets out how the two roles differ.

The 2026 move to the Northern Stars

For the 2026 season, Walmsley left the Central Pulse — where she had spent four seasons — to join the Auckland-based Northern Stars, replacing Silver Fern Maia Wilson. The move is a homecoming: she grew up in East Auckland and began her representative netball with the Stars’ National Netball League feeder side, the Comets, under current Stars coach Temepara Bailey. At the Stars she forms a young Silver Ferns shooting duo with Martina Salmon. New Zealand netball saw an unusually large reshuffle of shooters ahead of the season; you can read more on Wikipedia.

Why Walmsley matters for the Silver Ferns’ future

As New Zealand builds toward the 2027 Netball World Cup, a tall, versatile shooting circle is central to Dame Noeline Taurua’s planning. Walmsley’s height gives the Silver Ferns a high target that few rival nations can match, and her ability to hold under the post or step out to Goal Attack adds tactical range against sides such as the Australian Diamonds. Regular minutes in fixtures like the Constellation Cup against Australia are helping her turn domestic form into international consistency, and at just 22 she is positioned to be a long-term fixture in the shooting circle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Amelia Walmsley?

Amelia Walmsley is a New Zealand netball goal shooter who plays for the Silver Ferns and, from 2026, the Northern Stars. She is known for her height and her accuracy in the shooting circle.

How tall is Amelia Walmsley?

She stands 1.92 metres (192 cm), which is about 6 feet 4 inches, making her one of the tallest shooters in New Zealand netball.

When did she make her Silver Ferns debut?

She debuted on 27 September 2023 against the England Roses and was capped as Silver Fern #184.

What positions does Amelia Walmsley play?

She is primarily a Goal Shoot (GS) but has increasingly developed her game at Goal Attack (GA), giving the team a more mobile shooting option.

Which team does she play for in 2026?

From the 2026 season she plays for the Northern Stars, having previously spent four seasons with the Central Pulse.