The Netties: Stythe stumbles as Tactix tumble

Sport Nation • June 25th, 2025 3:30 pm

Kelly Jackson (L) and Martina Salmon (R) compete for the ball | Photo: Photosport

Every week Mark Stafford and Sulu Fitzpatrick 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 8 saw the continued rise of the Steel, the fall of the table-topping Tactix, and a 20-point Northern derby!

Who will win the Minor Premiership? Who will earn the right to host the Grand Final? Who will win The Netties?

Let's get into the points.

ANZ Premiership Round 8

Sunday: Pulse 59-50 Tactix at TSB Arena, Wellingon

The Pulse snapped their three-game losing streak with an impressive 59-50 win over the Tactix, who had been sitting atop the table. The match saw Amelia Walsmley dominate the defensive circle, despite the best efforts of Tactix defenders Karin Burger, Jane Watson, and Charli Fidler.

Maddy Gordon was outstanding at wing attack, and Ainsleyana Puleiata impressed in her first start of the season. But it was Kelly Jackson who stole the show, returning to her undeniable form and giving the Pulse the edge they needed for the win.

Staffy: Georgia Heffernan (3), Aliyah Dunn (2), Carys Stythe (1). Sulu: Aliyah Dunn (3), Georgia Heffernan (2), Kimiora Poi (1).

Sunday: Pulse 59-50 Tactix at TSB Arena, Wellingon

Staffy: Kelly Jackson (3), Amelia Walmsley (2), Gabi Simpson (1). Sulu: Kelly Jackson (3), Amelia Walsmley (2), Maddy Gordon (1).

Monday: Stars 47-67 Mystics at Pulman Arena, Auckland

The Monday match played out as expected with the Mystics overpowering the Stars 67-47. Donnell Wallam’s return to the court for the Mystics was a game-changer, with Peta Toeava feeding her beautifully. The pair were lethal in the attack end.

Defensively, the Mystics were impenetrable, with Holly Rae, Catherine Hall, and captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson putting on a masterclass. Now sitting at the top of the table, the Mystics are in strong shape as they head into their final rounds, with crucial matches against Steel and Tactix that could determine the Minor Premiership.

The Stars did see some bright spots, especially when Lili Tokaduadua took the court, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Mystics’ dominance.

Staffy: Peta Toeava (3), Catherie Hall (2), Lili Tokaduadua (1). Kruze: Peta Toeava (3), Catherine Hall (2), Katie Te Ao (1).

The Netties 2025 Leaderboard