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The Netties: Steel, Tactix, and Mystics shine as Finals race heats up
Sport Nation • June 18th, 2025 10:00 am
Aliyah Dunn | 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.
Round 6 saw some clear team standouts - The Southern Steel controlled the Stars with clinical shooting from Aliyah Dunn and another outstanding showcase from Carys Stythe.
The Tactix extended their unbeaten run, outplaying the Pulse with sharp attack from Te Paea Selby-Ricket and Martina Salmon - getting their first full show as a duo - while Karin Burger and Jane Watson remain dominant in the defensive circle.
The Mystics fought hard in a nail-biting finish against the Magic, with standout defensive efforts from Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Catherine Hall, paired with the clutch shooting from none other than Filda Vui, securing a narrow win.
Let's get into the points.
ANZ Premiership Round 6
Saturday: Stars 46–62 Steel at Pulman Arena, Auckland
In a bottom-of-the-table clash, the Southern Steel delivered a dominant 62–46 win over the Stars at Pulman Arena.
The visitors led from the outset, driven by standout performances from Aliyah Dunn, who shot 45 from 46, and rising defender Carys Stythe, who racked up five intercepts and six deflections. The Steel’s ability to absorb pressure and respond in bursts saw them control the tempo, while the Stars struggled with cohesion and consistency.
Despite patches of fight, especially in the third quarter, the home side’s turnovers and lack of connection proved costly.
The Stars rotated their lineup in search of solutions, including giving a debut to defender Julia Wynands and shifting combinations throughout the match. Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was a rare bright spark, showing courage and creativity in the midcourt. Charlie Bell impressed under the post with a composed 31 from 32 return, showing real competitive grit.
However, the relentless pressure from Stythe and the Steel’s settled combinations proved too much, leaving the Stars anchored at the foot of the table.
Staffy: Aliyah Dunn (3), Carys Stythe (2), Charlie Bell (1).
Kruze: Carys Stythe (3), Aliyah Dunn (2) Mila Reuelu-Buchanan (1).
Kruze: Carys Stythe (3), Aliyah Dunn (2) Mila Reuelu-Buchanan (1).
Sunday: Tactix 61-50 Pulse at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
The Tactix put on a clinic in Christchurch, dismantling the Pulse 61–50 to lock down top spot with their most complete performance of the season.
Up front, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Martina Salmon clicked beautifully, while at the back, Jane Watson was in full disrupt mode, earning Kruze’s top rating as she broke down the Pulse's attack.
Despite Amelia Walmsley shooting a flawless 44 from 44, the Pulse couldn’t match the Tactix for polish, pace, or possession. The Donna Wilkins lead Tactix won the ball, used it better, and never let up - a buzzer-beater from Salmon before halftime summed it up.
This was a Tactix team in full flight, and in this form, they’re going to take some stopping.
Staffy: Te Paea Selby-Rickit (3), Amelia Walmsley (2), Karin Burger (1).
Kruze: Jane Watson (3), Te paea Selby-Rickit (2), Martina Salmon (1).
Kruze: Jane Watson (3), Te paea Selby-Rickit (2), Martina Salmon (1).
Monday: Mystics 47–51 Magic at The Trusts Arena, Auckland
A scrappy, error-filled game saw the Mystics edge out the Magic 40-38 in a nail-biter in Auckland.
Catherine Hall was the standout, using smart defensive reads and timing to disrupt Magic’s attack, supported extremely well by the match's top point taker, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson.
A key tactical switch with the loss of Holly Rae, putting MSB into the circle, forced Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio to bench late in the game, helping the Mystics control the final seconds.
Magic fought hard, with Saviour Tui hitting three crucial super shots late to close the gap, but costly turnovers kept them on the back foot. Mystics’ defence, led by Hall’s seven intercepts and six deflections, proved the difference.
Despite a low-scoring and error-strewn contest, the Mystics held on for a vital win, with Filda Vui’s late super shots sealing the deal.
Staffy: Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (3), Catherine Hall (2), Saviour Tui (1).
Kruze: Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (3), Catherine Hall (2), Oceane Maihi (1).
Kruze: Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (3), Catherine Hall (2), Oceane Maihi (1).
The Netties 2025 Leaderboard
- Carys Stythe (17)
- Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (15)
- Aliyah Dunn (14)
- Catherine Hall (13)
- Saviour Tui (11)
- Holly Mather (9)
- Claire O’Brien (9)
- Lili Tokaduadua (8)
- Georgie Edgecombe (8)
- Kimiora Poi (8)
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