Central Pulse

Founded in 2007, Central Pulse are a New Zealand netball team that plays in the ANZ Premiership. Having won three premierships since ANZ Premiership’s start in 2017, Central Pulse are one of the most successful netball teams in the league. The team is based in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Let’s take a look at Central Pulse’s history, success, playing venues, and current roster.

Early history in the ANZ Championship

When Central Pulse were created in 2007, it was effectively a combination of two former National Bank Cup teams, Western Flyers and Capital Shakers. The Central Pulse were a founding member of the now-defunct ANZ Championship in 2007.

Central Pulse began their history in the ANZ Championship’s inaugural 2008 season, led by head coach Kate Carpenter. Pulse were the home team in the first ever ANZ Championship match, losing 33-50 to the Melbourne Vixens. This first loss was emblematic of Pulse’s entire first season, as the team failed to win a single match, finishing in 10^th place with 12 losses and one draw.

Their fortunes would improve in their second and third seasons, but only marginally, as Central Pulse only won one game in each season. In fact, their fortunes hardly improved at all. Throughout their nine-year tenure in the ANZ Championship, Pulse only had two seasons with winning records, going 8-5 in 2013 and 7-6 in 2014, achieving 5^th and 6^th place respectively. It wasn’t until the ANZ Premiership replaced the ANZ Championship that Central Pulse’s fortunes truly began to improve.

Success in the ANZ Premiership

With the launch of the ANZ Premiership in 2017, the Central Pulse team underwent a significant transformation, quickly establishing themselves as one of the premier teams in the league. The revamped team made an immediate impact, finishing as runners-up in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, signaling their intent and setting the stage for a dynasty in New Zealand netball.

Much of this early success can be credited to the leadership of Yvette McCausland-Durie, whose strategic expertise played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements. McCausland-Durie, who had previously coached the team from 2009 to 2011, returned to take charge in 2017 and continued to lead the team with distinction through to 2020, and later resumed her coaching role in 2021. Her return brought renewed vigor and consistency to the Pulse, allowing the team to capitalize on their potential. McCausland-Durie’s coaching is marked by her ability to motivate and develop players, ensuring that Pulse maintained their competitive edge year after year.

Supporting her were key players who became the backbone of the team during this golden era. Katrina Grant, a stalwart in the defense circle, was integral to Pulse’s defensive strategies, while Karin Burger provided relentless pressure on the opposition throughout her time with the team. In the attacking third, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, one of the top shooters in the league, formed a formidable partnership with Claire Kersten, whose work in the midcourt proved crucial for the Pulse’s transition play. Together, these players formed the core of the team, combining experience and youthful energy to push Pulse to new heights.

The culmination of years of hard work and resilience came in 2019, when the Central Pulse won their first ANZ Premiership title. This victory marked a milestone for the team, confirming their place at the top of New Zealand netball. The following year, Pulse showed that their triumph was no fluke, securing a back-to-back premiership in 2020, cementing their dominance in the league and showcasing their consistency and skill.

However, the 2021 season was a setback for Pulse, as they finished in 5th place with a 4-11 record, well below expectations. Despite the disappointment, the team regrouped and, under McCausland-Durie’s guidance, bounced back stronger. In 2022, the Pulse once again reached the summit, winning their third premiership in four years, reaffirming their resilience and determination to stay at the top.

Throughout these seasons, Central Pulse has demonstrated not only their ability to evolve and adapt but also their capacity to overcome challenges. Their success in the ANZ Premiership era has solidified their place as one of the most successful and respected teams in New Zealand netball, and with the ongoing leadership of Yvette McCausland-Durie and the continued contributions of their star players, the team remains a dominant force in the league, always striving for further glory.

Other success

Central Pulse won the Netball New Zealand Super Club, a tournament featuring teams from the ANZ Premiership as well as teams invited from overseas countries, in 2018.

Individual Pulse players have also been recognised for their success. In 2008, Sonia Mkoloma was named the ANZ Championship MVP, an honour she shared with Romelda Aiken of the Queensland Firebirds. In 2018, Katrina Rore was named ANZ Premiership Player of the Year.

Venues

Central Pulse’s main venue is TSB Bank Arena in Wellington, but they also have played home matches in three other venues, Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, the Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North, and Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale. Currently, Central Pulse play the majority of their matches at TSB Bank Arena, but Te Rauppara Arena and Fly Palmy Arena have also seen regular play. They haven’t played in Pettigrew Green Arena since 2014.

Current roster

Led by head coach Yvette McCausland-Dure, assistant coach Anna Andrews-Tasola, and co-captains Kelly Jury and Tiana Metuarau, Central Pulse are set up to once again succeed in 2023. Here is the complete 2023 Central Pulse roster:

Maddy Gordon (WA, C, WD)
Kelly Jury (GK, GD)
Kristiana Manu’a (GK, GD, WD)
Tiana Metuarau (GA, GA)
Whitney Souness (WA, C)
Amelia Walmsley (GS, GA)
Paris Mason (GK, GD, WD)
Joyce Mvula (GS)
Fa’amu Ioane (C, WD)
Ainsleyana Puleiata (C, WD, WA)

Conclusion

Central Pulse is one of New Zealand’s premier netball teams. After a rocky start in the ANZ Championship, Pulse have become one of the most decorated teams in the ANZ Premiership’s history. Powered by a firmly established winning culture and a coach with extensive championship pedigree and experience, Central Pulse have solidified themselves as a force in the league, and a team who is capable of bringing home titles year in and year out.