WITH the ANZ Premiership season just around the corner we take a look at each teams chances heading into the year and a key player to keep an eye on. Reigning premiers, Central Pulse are next on the list.
Coach: Yvette McCausland-Durie
Captain: Katrina Rore
2019 finish: 1st
It was a fairytale finish for the Central Pulse who won their first premiership in 21 years last season and will be hoping to replicate that form in 2020. They went on a 10-game winning spree all but setting them up for grand final glory, and were simply too good with star players in each third able to punish their opposition and capitalise on their opportunities. The Pulse were in a league of their own, able to rotate players through different positions and build consistency across four quarters.
2020 predictions/expectations:
The Central Pulse will be looking to take home back-to-back premierships in 2020 credit to their stacked squad. Defensively they have one of the strongest units in the competition headlined by the likes of Katrina Rore while Karin Burger has made the wing defence role her own. Burger is one of the most versatile players in the team able to turn a game on its head so expect big things once again from the tenacious defender. It is hard to go past the shooting combination of Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Aliyah Dunn with the two looking to get even better this season. The partnership is already formidable so with another pre-season under their belt it could spell danger for opposition clubs given their range and accuracy. Throw in the likes of Tiana Metuarau and the Pulse are in an enviable position. Considering the high-class talent, they have the Pulse should once again challenge for the title if not win.
Key pick up:
Lanky defender, Kelly Jury made the switch from Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and will be a handy inclusion for the Pulse. The goal keeper offers plenty of excitement and skill with her lean over the shot a key aspect of her game. Jury provides yet another element to the already strong defensive end with the keeper able to read the play and get hands to ball. Expect her to have a big year with the likes of Burger and Rore around her to guide and direct her on the court.
Team list:
Karin Burger
Aliyah Dunn
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kelly Jury
Claire Kersten
Tiana Metuarau
Katrina Rore
Renee Savai’inaea
Elle Temu
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