Netball: Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekanasio calls for change, as new ANZ Premiership season approaches

Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekensaio has led calls for big changes to New Zealand's domestic competition,  claiming our leading netballers "can only be better if we play the best."

This weekend marks the start of the ANZ Premiership, which pulled away from trans-Tasman competition in 2017. But some believe our lack of international exposure is now having a major impact on New Zealand's performance internationally. 

"There's still a gap," admitted Ekenasio. "(Work) still needs to be done. It's not new, we've said this for quite a long time." 

The Magic and Silver Ferns captain wants Kiwi sides to play domestic teams from other countries during the season.

"However that can work, we're up for it as players. We want to have that as players. We want to be better you know. We can only do that by playing the best," Ekenasio added.

Some teams have already had a taste of playing international domestic sides.

The Melbourne Vixens, one of Australia's best sides, played the Northern Mystics and Stars in preseason hit outs this year. 

Stars coach Kiri Wills thought her side stacked up well. 

"They're not untouchable, we can compete and we did it really well," said Wills.

However the Silver Ferns did struggle in last year's World Cup, finishing fourth in South Africa.

Netball legend Yvonne Willering believes that campaign showed New Zealand doesn't have enough depth.

'"here are not enough players available at the moment for that Silver Ferns selection.and even the last time (at the 2023 World Cup) I thought a couple of players were there who hadn't earnt the right," said Willering.

But Wills believes creating more playing oppurtunities might be the answer.

"Even if we're not in a combined competition, what can we do to mix these teams up? I think the fans really want to see that as well," Wills added. 

The ANZ Premiership begins on Saturday, with the Bay of Plenty Magic hosting the Northern Mystics in Hamilton at 4pm. 

Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekensaio has led calls for big changes to New Zealand's domestic competition,  claiming our leading netballers "can only be better if we play the best."

This weekend marks the start of the ANZ Premiership, which pulled away from trans-Tasman competition in 2017. But some believe our lack of international exposure is now having a major impact on New Zealand's performance internationally. 

"There's still a gap," admitted Ekenasio. "(Work) still needs to be done. It's not new, we've said this for quite a long time." 

The Magic and Silver Ferns captain wants Kiwi sides to play domestic teams from other countries during the season.

"However that can work, we're up for it as players. We want to have that as players. We want to be better you know. We can only do that by playing the best," Ekenasio added.

Some teams have already had a taste of playing international domestic sides.

The Melbourne Vixens, one of Australia's best sides, played the Northern Mystics and Stars in preseason hit outs this year. 

Stars coach Kiri Wills thought her side stacked up well. 

"They're not untouchable, we can compete and we did it really well," said Wills.

However the Silver Ferns did struggle in last year's World Cup, finishing fourth in South Africa.

Netball legend Yvonne Willering believes that campaign showed New Zealand doesn't have enough depth.

'"here are not enough players available at the moment for that Silver Ferns selection.and even the last time (at the 2023 World Cup) I thought a couple of players were there who hadn't earnt the right," said Willering.

But Wills believes creating more playing oppurtunities might be the answer.

"Even if we're not in a combined competition, what can we do to mix these teams up? I think the fans really want to see that as well," Wills added. 

The ANZ Premiership begins on Saturday, with the Bay of Plenty Magic hosting the Northern Mystics in Hamilton at 4pm. 

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