National Netball League

ANZ National Netball League

The ANZ Premiership stands as New Zealand’s premier netball competition, bringing together top-tier teams and showcasing some of the most talented athletes in the sport. The league was established in 2017, following the dissolution of the ANZ Championship, and has since become a cornerstone of professional netball in the country. Organized by Netball New Zealand, the ANZ Premiership features a dynamic mix of home-grown talent and international stars, offering exciting and competitive gameplay throughout the season.

The league consists of several prominent teams, each representing different regions of New Zealand, including the Central Pulse, Northern Stars, Southern Steel, and Wellington Phoenix, among others. Each team competes in a round-robin format before advancing to the finals, with the ultimate goal of securing the highly coveted ANZ Premiership title.

By replacing the ANZ Championship, the ANZ Premiership not only elevated the level of competition but also reinforced New Zealand’s reputation as a netball powerhouse. The league’s impact has been far-reaching, inspiring the next generation of players and helping to grow the sport both domestically and internationally. With its high-energy matches and passionate fan base, the ANZ Premiership continues to be a driving force in the world of netball.

ANZ National Netball League Championship Years

The ANZ Championship was established in 2008 and ceased operation in 2016. It featured five netball teams each from Australia and New Zealand and was the top-tier league in both countries. The Adelaide Thunderbirds and Queensland Firebirds of the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league became the Australian founders, and other Australian teams merged to form teams for the ANZ Championship. The Sydney Swifts and Hunter Jaegers merged to become New South Wales Swifts, for example.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Canterbury Flames of New Zealand’s National Bank Cup league were the New Zealand founders of the competition. The Canterbury Flames changed their name to Canterbury Tactix and just like the Australian teams the other New Zealand teams in the National Bank Cup merged to form three new teams. These were Central Pulse, Northern Mystic,s and Southern Steel, who all play in the current New Zealand ANZ Premiership.

The Queensland Firebirds were the ANZ Championship’s most successful team. They played in five grand finals and won three premierships, and were the only team in the competition to win consecutive titles.

New Zealand’s most successful team in the ANZ Championship were Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. They won the competition in 2012 and had the honour of being the only team in the history of the Championship to advance to the playoff rounds every season. Waikato bested the Melbourne Vixens in a close final at Hisense Arena by 41–38.

The governing bodies of the competition Netball Australia, and Netball New Zealand announced in 2016 that the ANZ Championship would cease after that year’s season. Australia replaced the competition with Suncorp Super Netball and New Zealand replaced it with the ANZ Premiership.

National Netball League ANZ Premiership Seasons

The National Netball League, known as the ANZ Premiership, began its inaugural season in 2017, succeeding the ANZ Championship. The competition included five teams from the former league: Central Pulse, Mainland Tactix, Northern Mystics, Southern Steel, and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. Additionally, the competition added a new team, the Northern Stars, bringing an even greater dynamic to the league.

In its first season, Southern Steel, based in Invercargill, dominated the competition. Coached by Reinga Bloxham and captained by Wendy Frew, they had an undefeated regular season, culminating in a stunning 69-53 victory over Central Pulse in the grand final. This victory marked Steel’s 16th consecutive win and set the stage for a highly competitive and thrilling national netball scene. The Southern Steel would continue their dominance into 2018, once again facing Central Pulse in the final, securing another narrow victory with a 54-53 scoreline.

However, in 2019, Central Pulse would finally break their finals drought. After two narrow defeats, the Wellington-based team triumphed over the Northern Stars in the final, winning 52-48 to claim their first ANZ Premiership title. This victory marked the beginning of Pulse’s impressive era in the National Netball League. Between 2018 and 2020, Pulse would go on to win three minor premierships in a row, showcasing their consistency and dominance in the league.

In 2020, Central Pulse secured their second title, this time defeating the Mainland Tactix 43-31 in the final. Despite a setback in 2021, when Central Pulse missed the grand final for the first time, the team bounced back in 2022, reaffirming their dominance in the National Netball League. With Yvette McCausland-Durie at the helm, they claimed their third title, finishing the regular season as minor premiers and defeating the Northern Stars 56-37 in the grand final.

The ANZ Premiership has faced challenges, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 season saw several matches canceled or rescheduled, including the Central Pulse‘s opening round, which was impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad. To mitigate the disruptions, the National Netball League introduced a free-agent player pool to allow teams to draft temporary replacements and maintain the integrity of the competition.

The National Netball League continues to grow in stature, with each season bringing new opportunities for teams to showcase their talents and compete for the coveted ANZ Premiership title. Central Pulse remains one of the most successful teams in the league’s history, with their strategic leadership, remarkable team dynamics, and winning mentality. The rise of teams like the Northern Stars, Mainland Tactix, and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic also adds excitement, ensuring that the National Netball League is always filled with intense competition and thrilling netball action.

ANZ Premiership Teams

The ANZ Premiership is made up of six dynamic and competitive teams, each representing a distinct region of New Zealand. These teams not only showcase the country’s talent but also bring fierce competition and thrilling netball action to fans across the nation. Here’s a closer look at each of the six teams:

Central Pulse (Wellington):
Based in Wellington, the Central Pulse has become a force to be reckoned with in the ANZ Premiership. With a strong history of success, including multiple premiership wins, the team features some of the best players in New Zealand netball. Their passionate fanbase and strategic gameplay make them a top contender year after year.
Mainland Tactix (Christchurch):
The Mainland Tactix, representing the Christchurch region, is known for its resilience and determination on the court. Although they have faced tough competition, the Tactix have consistently improved and continue to build a strong squad capable of challenging for the top spots in the league. Their focus on teamwork and tactical execution makes them a formidable opponent.
Northern Mystics (Auckland):
Based in Auckland, the Northern Mystics are one of the most popular and successful teams in the ANZ Premiership. The Mystics are known for their exciting and fast-paced style of play, combining athleticism with precision. They regularly compete for the top honors and have a dedicated following of fans who support them in every match.
Northern Stars (Takanini):
The Northern Stars, located in Takanini, bring an electric energy to the competition. As one of the league’s youngest teams, they have shown great promise and have quickly become one of the teams to watch. Their blend of youth and experience allows them to adapt quickly and stay competitive, making them a tough team for any opponent.
Southern Steel (Invercargill):
Based in Invercargill, the Southern Steel is a team with a rich history and a proud legacy in New Zealand netball. Their grit and hard work have earned them respect in the league. Known for their strong defensive strategies and high team morale, the Steel continues to be one of the league’s most competitive teams, consistently aiming for the top.
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (Hamilton):
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, representing Hamilton, is a team that combines passion with skill. With a deep connection to their home regions, the Magic boasts a strong and experienced lineup. They are known for their ability to adapt to different playing styles, making them one of the most unpredictable and exciting teams in the league.

Each of these six teams contributes to the thrilling competition and high standards of play in the ANZ Premiership, making it one of the most anticipated netball leagues in the world. The rivalry between these regional teams adds an extra level of intensity, with each match being a battle for supremacy on the court.

ANZ Premiership Finals

2017: Southern Steel 69–53 Central Pulse

2018: Southern Steel 54–53 Central Pulse

2019: Central Pulse 52–48 Northern Stars

2020: Central Pulse 43–31 Mainland Tactix

2021: Northern Mystics 61–59 Mainland Tactix

2022: Central Pulse 56–37 Northern Stars

For all the latest news and updates on New Zealand’s premier National Netball League, the ANZ Premiership, visit the competition’s official website.

National Netball League

ANZ National Netball League

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ANZ National Netball League Championship Years

National Netball League ANZ Premiership Seasons

ANZ Premiership Teams

ANZ Premiership Finals

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