Cricket
Love Racing
League
Rugby
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Netball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your Sport Nation frequencyThe Netties: The inaugural winner has been crowned!
Sport Nation • July 15th, 2025 12:00 am
The Mystics will host the 2025 Grand Final | Photo: Photosport
Every week Mark Stafford and Sulu Fitzpatrick (Kruze Tangira this week) will pick three standout players, awarding them 3, 2, and 1 points - the player with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the inaugural Nettie.
Welcome to The Netties.
You better believe it - it's Finals time! Staffy & Kruze have named their standout players for the last time this season!
For one final time, let's get into the points.
Saturday: Magic 54-56 Pulse at Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga
In a nail-biting finish, the Pulse edged out the Magic 56–54, thanks to a clutch two-pointer from Amorangi Malesala, the proven queen of the long shot. Her calm under pressure sealed the deal, sending the Pulse through to the Elimination Final.
It was still a strong showing from the Magic, who will take positives from the match. Kruze even named it his game of the round.
Returning from concussion, Whitney Souness was electric in the midcourt, earning Staffy's top votes. Her seamless connection with Maddy Gordon, who’s found a rich vein of form late in the season, was a highlight.
For the Magic, Ameliaranne Ekenasio kept them within touching distance all night and was rewarded with a point from Kruze.
Staffy: Whitney Souness (3), Maddy Gordon (2), Amorangi Malesala (1).
Kruze: Amorangi Malesala (3), Maddy Gordon (2), Ameliaranne Ekenasio (1).
Sunday: Mystics 70-56 Tactix at The Trusts Arena, Auckland
It was a statement win from the Mystics, who stormed their way into the Grand Final with a clinical performance over the Tactix.
But all eyes were on Catherine Hall. With an astonishing 11 deflections, she proved once again why she’s in the running for this season’s inaugural ‘Netties’ Winner. Staffy admitted he caught himself watching her instead of the play - she was just that good.
Mystics' growth across the season has been impressive, and coach Tia Winikerei’s trust in her bench late in the match only highlighted their depth.
And then there was Peta Toeava. Kruze summed it up best: “There’s no words to describe Peta on her feet.” She was a standout at wing attack, with her trademark flair and control.
Staffy: Catherine Hall (3), Donnell Wallam (2), Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (1).
Kruze: Peta Toeava (3), Catherine Hall (2), Donnell Wallam (1).
Monday: Steel 61-55 Stars at ILT Stadium Southland
In a final-round clash with nothing on the line but pride, both the Steel and Stars delivered an entertaining display to close out their seasons.
Aliyah Dunn once again showcased her class with 42 goals at a sizzling 98%. On the other end, Maia Wilson, with enourmous pressure on her shoulders, returned to her natural GS role and matched Dunn with 44 goals at 98% - good enough to earn all 3 of Kruze’s top points.
She was well supported by the ever-reliable Mila Reuelu-Buchanan in the midcourt, the duo reminding everyone of the Stars' potential. Kruze handed five of his six available points to the Stars.
Georgia Heffernan continues to impress at goal attack, but this time it was her playmaking that turned heads. Her feeding into the circle was next level.
Staffy: Georgia Heffernan (3), Kate Heffernan (2), Aliyah Dunn (1).
Kruze: Maia Wilson (3), Mila Reuelu-Buchanan (2), Georgia Heffernan (1).
The Netties 2025 Leaderboard
- Catherine Hall (28)
- Aliyah Dunn (24)
- Carys Stythe (20)
- Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (18)
- Maddy Gordon (18)
- Georgia Heffernan (16)
- Jane Watson (15)
- Peta Toeava (14)
- Saviour Tui (12)
- Kelly Jackson (12)
Tune into Centre Pass: In Focus every Tuesday from 2-3pm on Sport Nation.
