The Northern Mystics head into the penultimate round of the ANZ Premiership at the top of the ladder and are ready to face a resurgent Southern Steel at The Trusts Arena on Sunday.

The last time these teams met was in Round 3 in Dunedin where the Mystics came away with the narrowest of 1 point wins. But much has changed for both teams since then and with a finals spot up for grabs the Steel will be determined to bring their A game.

Mystics head coach, Tia Winikerei, knows the danger that the Steel pose, “The Steel shooting circle has been on fire and both shooters are threats.  Kimi and Kate are in form and performing well.  The Steel are also renowned for few losses, so we will need to disrupt their attacking line.  Equally, Carys has been outstanding, winning ball consistently and upsetting the shooters. We will need to apply precision with our feeding and work hard to break down their defence structures.”

To win this match Winikerei knows that the Mystics need will need to be focussed and disciplined across the entire 60mins, something they have shown they can do. The team has developed consistently throughout the season, showcasing skill, patience, speed and flair out on court.

A highlight of the Mystics side is their leadership group of Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle who have led the team superbly all season, “These three have all given the Team their best throughout the season.  Each of them has a unique and special way of connecting with people, and because they are aligned with us and each other, we can move swiftly to have performance impact and change what we need to in real time. I am super proud of them all” says Winikerei.

With their last two matches of the season at home the team can’t wait to get back in front of home fans, Winikerei adding, “We love walking into a full stadium, and seeing and hearing the fans.  We are grateful for their support and their voices.  We will need them all on Sunday, and we pray they bring the house down.”

It will be a great day of netball action for fans as the Mystics Men take on the Stars Men in Match 2. With a close win to the Mystics on Monday night, the Stars will be looking to level up the series making the final match a decider on Sunday 13 th July.

Sunday 6 th July 2025
Trusts Arena, Waitakere
Mystics Men v Stars Men, 2pm
Mystics v Steel, 4pm