| 2015 ANZ Championship season | |
|---|---|
| League | ANZ Championship |
| Sport | Netball |
| Duration | 28 February – 21 June 2015 |
| Number of teams | 10 |
| TV partner(s) | Fox Sports (Australia) Sky Sport (New Zealand) One Te Reo Prime TV |
| Champions | Queensland Firebirds |
| Winners | Australian Conference Queensland Firebirds New Zealand Conference Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Challenge Trophy Queensland Firebirds |
| Runners-up | New South Wales Swifts |
| Minor premiers | Queensland Firebirds |
| Season MVP | Romelda Aiken (Firebirds) Jhaniele Fowler-Reid (Steel) |
| Top scorer | Romelda Aiken (Firebirds) |
The 2015 ANZ Championship season was the eighth season of the ANZ Championship. The season began on 28 February and concluded on 21 June. [1] The 2015 season saw the introduction of several major format changes and initiatives, including a Conference system, a six-team Finals Series, drawn games and a new Ranfurly Shield-style competition, the Challenge Trophy. [2] [3] With a team coached by Roselee Jencke, captained by Laura Geitz and featuring Romelda Aiken, Clare McMeniman and Kim Ravaillion, Queensland Firebirds won the Australian Conference, the Challenge Trophy, the minor premiership and the overall championship. Firebirds narrowly defeated New South Wales Swifts in both the Australian Conference final and the Grand Final on their way to effectively winning four titles. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]
The 2015 season saw some major format changes. The league introduced separate Australian and New Zealand conferences, a restructured six-team Finals Series and a new competition, the Challenge Trophy. Teams continued to play 13 games – eight home-and-away matches against teams in their own conference and five alternating home or away games against teams in the other conference. [2] [14] [15] The ANZ Championship also introduced draws for the first time. During the regular season, drawn games would see both teams get a point each. Extra time will only be played during the Finals Series. [3] On 15 March, the Round 3 match between New South Wales Swifts and Queensland Firebirds finished 47–47. It was the first official draw in the eight seasons of the league. [16]
Between 6 and 8 February, New South Wales Swifts hosted the Summer Shootout at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park. This was the first major netball tournament to be held at the venue. All ten ANZ Championship teams participated in the three-day tournament. A total of 25 games, consisting of both full length and shortened games consisting of two 15-minute periods, were played over the weekend. [6] [51] [52] [53]
| Sat 28 February | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 44–45 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | Netball SA Stadium | |
| 1:48 PM (ACDT) | Carla Borrego  23/32 (72%)Erin Bell 21/25 (84%) | Report Stats | Joanne Harten 25/34 (74%) Malia Paseka 14/18 (78%)Ellen Halpenny 6/13 (46%) |
| Sun 1 March | Queensland Firebirds | 50–57 | West Coast Fever | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre | |
| 11:18 AM (AEST) | Romelda Aiken ? Amy Wild ? | Report | Caitlin Bassett 44 Natalie Medhurst ? |
| Sun 1 March | Melbourne Vixens | 64–40 | Central Pulse | Margaret Court Arena | |
| 2:18 PM (AEDT) | Tegan Philip 35/41 (85%) Karyn Bailey 29/35 (83%) | Report Stats | Jodi Brown 24/29 (83%) Irene van Dyk 13/14 (93%)Ameliaranne Wells 3/7 (43%) |
| Sun 1 March | Southern Steel | 62–68 | New South Wales Swifts | Stadium Southland | |
| 7.10 PM (NZDT) | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 46/55 (84%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 16/19 (84%) | Report | Susan Pettitt 29/32 (91%) Caitlin Thwaites 39/43 (91%) |
| Mon 2 March | Mainland Tactix | 53–59 | Northern Mystics | Horncastle Arena | |
| 7.40 PM (NZDT) | Mwai Kumwenda 36/40 (90%) Bailey Mes 12/16 (75%)?? ? | Report | Maria Tutaia 23/28 (82%) Cathrine Latu 32/35 (91%)Elsa Brown 4/7 (57%) |
| Sat 7 March | Southern Steel | 68–54 | Mainland Tactix | Stadium Southland | |
| 4:10 PM (NZDT) | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 56/60 (93%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 8/11 (73%)Sophia Fenwick 4/11 (36%) | Report | Mwai Kumwenda 34/38 (89%) Bailey Mes 17/24 (71%)Gemma Hazeldine 3/5 (60%) |
| Sun 8 March | Melbourne Vixens | 48–39 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Hisense Arena | |
| 12:18 PM (AEDT) | Tegan Philip 13/21 (62%) Karyn Bailey 30Carla Dziwoki 5/5 (100%) | Report Stats | Carla Borrego 13/25 (52%) Erin Bell 17/25 (68%)Kristina Brice 9/14 (64%) |
| Sun 8 March | West Coast Fever | 67–51 | Northern Mystics | HBF Stadium | |
| 11:18 AM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 51/61 (84%) Natalie Medhurst 16/17 (94%) | Report | Maria Tutaia 22/30 (73%) Catherine Latu 18Paula Griffin 11/14 (79%) |
| Sun 8 March | Central Pulse | 46–52 | Queensland Firebirds | Te Rauparaha Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZDT) | Jodi Brown 27 Irene van Dyk 19 | Report | Romelda Aiken 37 Amy Wild 15 |
| Mon 9 March | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 43–48 | New South Wales Swifts | ASB Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZDT) | Joanne Harten 15 Malia Paseka 10/17 (59%)Ellen Halpenny 18/25 (72%) | Report | Susan Pettitt 7/10 (70%) Caitlin Thwaites 34/42 (81%)Stephanie Wood 7/10 (70%) |
| Sat 14 March | West Coast Fever | 67–60 | Southern Steel | HBF Stadium | |
| 7.18 PM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 50/57 (88%) Natalie Medhurst 17/18 (94%) | Report Stats | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 47/51 (92%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 11/17 (65%)Sophia Fenwick ? |
| Sun 15 March | New South Wales Swifts | 47–47 | Queensland Firebirds | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre | |
| 12.18 PM (AEDT) | Susan Pettitt 29/37 (78%) Caitlin Thwaites 18/22 (82%) | Report | Romelda Aiken 36/46 (78%) Gretel Tippett 11/14 (79%) |
| Sun 15 March | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 51–51 | Northern Mystics | Netball SA Stadium | |
| 1:48 PM (ACDT) | Carla Borrego 34/41 (83%) Erin Bell 17 | Report | Maria Tutaia 23 Catherine Latu 28/29 (97%) |
| Sun 15 March | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 48–51 | Melbourne Vixens | ASB Arena | |
| 7.10 PM (NZDT) | Malia Paseka 23/34 (68%) Ellen Halpenny 25/34 (74%) | Report | Tegan Philip 17/25 (68%) Karyn Bailey 34/38 (89%) |
| Mon 16 March | Mainland Tactix | 41–48 | Central Pulse | Horncastle Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZDT) | Mwai Kumwenda 26/29 (90%) Bailey Mes 15/26 (58%)Gemma Hazeldine 0/1 (0%) | Report | Jodi Brown 18/27 (67%) Irene van Dyk 16/21 (76%)Ameliaranne Wells 14/17 (82%) |
| Sun 22 March | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 47–45 | Melbourne Vixens | Netball SA Stadium | |
| 11.48 AM (ACDT) | Carla Borrego 24 Erin Bell 23 | Report | Tegan Philip 18 Karyn Bailey 23Carla Dziwoki 4 |
| Sun 22 March | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 52–49 | Mainland Tactix | Claudelands Arena | |
| 7.10 PM (NZDT) | Joanne Harten 30/32 (94%) Malia Paseka 11/16 (69%)Ellen Halpenny 11/14 (79%) | Report | Mwai Kumwenda 36/41 (88%) Bailey Mes 0/1 (0%)Gemma Hazeldine 13/17 (76%) |
| Mon 23 March | Northern Mystics | 49–44 | Central Pulse | The Trusts Arena | |
| 7.40 PM (NZDT) | Maria Tutaia 21 Catherine Latu 28 | Report | Jodi Brown 28 Irene van Dyk 5Ameliaranne Wells 11 |
| Mon 23 March | New South Wales Swifts | 59–59 | West Coast Fever | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre | |
| 7.18 PM (AEDT) | Susan Pettitt 23 Caitlin Thwaites 36 | Report | Caitlin Bassett 51 Natalie Medhurst 8 |
| BYES: Queensland Firebirds and Southern Steel |
| Sun 29 March | West Coast Fever | 55–50 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | HBF Stadium | |
| 9:18 PM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 40/44 (91%) Natalie Medhurst 15/17 (88%) | Report | Carla Borrego 35/45 (78%) Erin Bell 15/23 (65%) |
| Sun 29 March | Northern Mystics | 57–52 | Southern Steel | The Trusts Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZDT) | Maria Tutaia 23/25 (92%) Catherine Latu 34/37 (92%) | Report | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 38/48 (79%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 14/17 (82%) |
| Mon 30 March | Central Pulse | 49–38 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | TSB Bank Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZDT) | Jodi Brown 25/30 (83%) Irene van Dyk 24/30 (80%) | Report | Joanne Harten 25/30 (83%) Malia Paseka 2/3 (67%)Ellen Halpenny 11/13 (85%) |
| Mon 30 March | Queensland Firebirds | 51–47 | New South Wales Swifts | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre | |
| 7:18 PM (AEST) | Romelda Aiken 43 Gretel Tippett ? | Report | Susan Pettitt ? Caitlin Thwaites ? |
| BYES: Melbourne Vixens and Mainland Tactix |
| Sun 5 April | Queensland Firebirds | 48–46 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre | |
| 12:18 PM (AEST) | Romelda Aiken 26/32 (81%) Gretel Tippett 22 | Report Stats | Carla Borrego 30/32 (94%) Erin Bell 16 | Attendance: 3,150 |
| Sun 5 April | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 45–45 | Northern Mystics | Energy Events Centre | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Joanne Harten 23/27 (85%) Ellen Halpenny 21/26 (81%)Malia Paseka ? | Report | Maria Tutaia ? Catherine Latu 15/15 (100%)Paula Griffin ? |
| Mon 6 April | West Coast Fever | 53–47 | Melbourne Vixens | HBF Stadium | |
| 2:18 PM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 34/42 (81%) Natalie Medhurst 19/20 (95%) | Report | Tegan Philip 23/28 (82%) Karyn Bailey 24/28 (86%) |
| Mon 6 April | Mainland Tactix | 58–84 | Southern Steel | Horncastle Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Mwai Kumwenda 38/41 (93%) Gemma Hazeldine 11/14 (79%)Bailey Mes 9/15 (60%) | Report | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 58/66 (88%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/17 (88%)Sophia Fenwick 9/12 (75%)Brooke Leaver 2/3 (67%) |
| BYES: New South Wales Swifts and Central Pulse |
| Sat 11 April | Southern Steel | 57–63 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | Stadium Southland | |
| 4:10 PM (NZST) | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 42/51 (82%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/20 (75%) | Report | Joanne Harten 42/47 (89%) Ellen Halpenny 21/26 (81%) |
| Sun 12 April | Melbourne Vixens | 48–55 | Queensland Firebirds | Hisense Arena | |
| 12:18 PM (AEST) | Tegan Philip 27/30 (90%) Karyn Bailey 21/24 (88%) | Report | Romelda Aiken 37/46 (80%) Gretel Tippett 18/26 (69%) |
| Sun 12 April | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 56–49 | New South Wales Swifts | Netball SA Stadium | |
| 1:48 PM (ACST) | Carla Borrego 39/46 (85%) Erin Bell ? | Report Stats | Susan Pettitt ? Caitlin Thwaites ?Erin Hoare ? |
| Sun 12 April | Mainland Tactix | 51–66 | West Coast Fever | Marlborough Lines Stadium, Blenheim | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Mwai Kumwenda 34/36 (94%) Bailey Mes 13/20 (65%)Gemma Hazeldine 4/8 (50%) | Report Stats | Caitlin Bassett 49/57 (86%) Natalie Medhurst 17/19 (89%) |
| Mon 13 April | Central Pulse | 45–47 | Northern Mystics | TSB Bank Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Jodi Brown 28/32 (88%) Irene van Dyk 6/10 (60%)Ameliaranne Wells 11/15 (73%) | Report | Maria Tutaia 22/30 (73%) Catherine Latu 13/13 (100%)Paula Griffin 12/13 (92%) |
| Sat 18 April | Queensland Firebirds | 50–42 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Romelda Aiken 40/49 (82%) Gretel Tippett 10/17 (59%) | Report | Joanne Harten 29/34 (85%) Ellen Halpenny 10/15 (67%)Malia Paseka 3/6 (50%) |
| Sun 19 April | New South Wales Swifts | 66–50 | Northern Mystics | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre | |
| 12:18 PM (AEST) | Susan Pettitt ? Caitlin Thwaites 30/33 (91%) | Report Stats | Maria Tutaia ? Catherine Latu ?Paula Griffin 10/16 (63%) |
| Sun 19 April | Melbourne Vixens | 63–54 | Southern Steel | Hisense Arena | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Tegan Philip 22/25 (88%) Karyn Bailey 41/49 (84%) | Report | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 37/41 (90%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 17/21 (81%) |
| Sun 19 April | Central Pulse | 48–51 | West Coast Fever | TSB Bank Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Jodi Brown 31/37 (84%) Ameliaranne Wells 17/26 (65%) | Report | Caitlin Bassett 41/45 (91%) Natalie Medhurst 10/13 (77%) |
| Mon 20 April | Mainland Tactix | 51–63 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Horncastle Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Mwai Kumwenda 25/27 (93%) Bailey Mes 26/36 (72%) | Report | Carla Borrego 37/46 (80%) Erin Bell 25/27 (93%) |
| Sat 25 April | Central Pulse | 47–47 | New South Wales Swifts | TSB Bank Arena | |
| 4:10 PM (NZST) | Jodi Brown 21/25 (84%) Ameliaranne Wells 26/33 (79%) | Report | Susan Pettitt 22/26 (85%) Caitlin Thwaites 25/29 (86%) |
| Sun 26 April | West Coast Fever | 54–49 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | HBF Stadium | |
| 10:18 PM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 39/54 (72%) Natalie Medhurst 15/20 (75%) ? | Report | Joanne Harten 35/40 (88%) Ellen Halpenny 2 ?Malia Paseka 12/12 (100%) |
| Sun 26 April | Melbourne Vixens | 56–52 | Mainland Tactix | Hisense Arena | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Tegan Philip 26/33 (79%) Karyn Bailey 30/33 (91%) | Report | Mwai Kumwenda 17/20 (85%) Bailey Mes 32/35 (91%)Gemma Hazeldine 3/5 (60%) |
| Sun 26 April | Northern Mystics | 47–53 | Queensland Firebirds | The Trusts Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Maria Tutaia 28/30 (93%) Cathrine Latu 15/15 (100%)Paula Griffin 4 ? | Report | Romelda Aiken 42/53 (79%) Gretel Tippett 11/19 (58%) |
| Mon 27 April | Southern Steel | 53–53 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | More FM Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 40/45 (89%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 5/7 (71%)Brooke Leaver 8/11 (73%) | Report | Carla Borrego 38/45 (84%) Erin Bell 15/21 (71%) |
| Fri 1 May | West Coast Fever | 48–56 | Queensland Firebirds | Perth Arena | |
| 7:18 PM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 35/39 (90%) Natalie Medhurst 13/15 (87%) | Report | Romelda Aiken 47/57 (82%) Gretel Tippett 9/18 (50%) |
| Sat 2 May | Southern Steel | 50–49 | Central Pulse | More FM Arena | |
| 4:10 PM (NZST) | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 35/44 (80%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/18 (83%) | Report | Jodi Brown 31/33 (94%) Ameliaranne Wells 11/15 (73%)Irene van Dyk 7/9 (78%) |
| Sun 3 May | New South Wales Swifts | 67–43 | Melbourne Vixens | Allphones Arena | |
| 12:18 PM (AEST) | Susan Pettitt 28/30 (93%) Caitlin Thwaites 39/41 (95%) | Report | Tegan Philip ? Karyn Bailey ? | Attendance: 10,370 |
| Sun 3 May | Northern Mystics | 61–53 | Mainland Tactix | The Trusts Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Maria Tutaia 24/30 (80%) Cathrine Latu 37/41 (90%) | Report | Mwai Kumwenda 40/43 (93%) Bailey Mes 9/14 (64%)Gemma Hazeldine 4/8 (50%) |
| BYES: Adelaide Thunderbirds and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic |
| Sun 10 May | Queensland Firebirds | 54–45 | Melbourne Vixens | Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre | |
| 12:18 PM (AEST) | Romelda Aiken 38/44 (86%) Gretel Tippett 16/25 (64%) | Report | Tegan Philip 21/25 (84%) Karyn Bailey 24/30 (80%) | Attendance: 4,444 |
| Sun 10 May | New South Wales Swifts | 65–54 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Susan Pettitt 27/31 (87%) Caitlin Thwaites 38/42 (90%) | Report | Carla Borrego 39/47 (83%) Erin Bell 15/17 (88%) |
| Sun 10 May | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 59–53 | Southern Steel | Claudelands Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Joanne Harten 46/53 (87%) Ellen Halpenny 4/4 (100%)Malia Paseka 9/12 (75%) | Report | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 38/44 (86%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/16 (94%) |
| Mon 11 May | Central Pulse | 51–48 | Mainland Tactix | Te Rauparaha Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Jodi Brown 18/22 (82%) Ameliaranne Wells 33/40 (83%) | Report | Mwai Kumwenda 30/31 (97%) Bailey Mes 16/23 (70%)Gemma Hazeldine 2/3 (67%) |
| BYES: West Coast Fever and Northern Mystics |
| Sat 16 May | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 42–58 | Queensland Firebirds | Adelaide Arena | |
| 7:18 PM (ACST) | Carla Borrego 40 Erin Bell 18 | Report | Romelda Aiken 26 Gretel Tippett 16 | Attendance: 5,000 |
| Sun 17 May | Melbourne Vixens | 56–48 | West Coast Fever | Margaret Court Arena | |
| 12:18 PM (AEST) | Tegan Philip 17/24 (71%) Karyn Bailey 39/42 (93%) | Report | Caitlin Bassett 35/38 (92%) Natalie Medhurst 13/17 (76%) | Attendance: 5,380 |
| Sun 17 May | New South Wales Swifts | 68–49 | Mainland Tactix | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Susan Pettitt 32/34 (94%) Caitlin Thwaites 31/35 (89%)Stephanie Wood 5/6 (83%) | Report | Mwai Kumwenda 33/35 (94%) Bailey Mes 16/21 (76%) |
| Sun 17 May | Central Pulse | 55–55 | Southern Steel | Arena Manawatu | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Jodi Brown 20/22 (91%) Ameliaranne Wells 35/41 (85%) | Report | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 40/46 (87%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 12/16 (75%)Brooke Leaver 3/3 (100%) |
| Mon 18 May | Northern Mystics | 54–49 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | The Trusts Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Maria Tutaia 24/31 (77%) Catherine Latu 30/31 (97%) | Report | Joanne Harten 35/45 (78%) Malia Paseka 14/19 (74%) |
| Sat 23 May | Southern Steel | 61–63 | Northern Mystics | Stadium Southland | |
| 4:10 PM (NZST) | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 43/45 (96%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/17 (88%)Brooke Leaver 3/5 (60%) | Report | Maria Tutaia 19/24 (79%) Catherine Latu 44/49 (90%) |
| Sun 24 May | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 61–63 | West Coast Fever | Netball SA Stadium | |
| 11:48 AM (ACST) | Carla Borrego 44/50 (88%) Erin Bell ? | Report | Caitlin Bassett 52/56 (93%) Natalie Medhurst ? |
| Sun 24 May | Melbourne Vixens | 48–52 | New South Wales Swifts | Margaret Court Arena | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Tegan Philip 21/27 (78%) Karyn Bailey 27/32 (84%) | Report | Susan Pettitt 23/27 (85%) Caitlin Thwaites 29/38 (76%) |
| Sun 24 May | Mainland Tactix | 43–68 | Queensland Firebirds | Marlborough Lines Stadium, Blenheim | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Mwai Kumwenda 22/25 (88%) Bailey Mes 21/25 (84%) | Report | Romelda Aiken 52/67 (78%) Gretel Tippett 10/17 (59%)Amy Wild 6/9 (67%) |
| Mon 25 May | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 52–47 | Central Pulse | Claudelands Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Joanne Harten 39/39 (100%) Malia Paseka 13/15 (87%)Ellen Halpenny 0/2 (0%) | Report | Jodi Brown 18/20 (90%) Ameliaranne Wells 29/35 (83%) |
| Sat 30 May | West Coast Fever | 56–63 | New South Wales Swifts | Perth Arena | |
| 10:18 AM (AWST) | Caitlin Bassett 44/51 (86%) Natalie Medhurst 12/15 (80%) | Report | Susan Pettitt 28/32 (88%) Caitlin Thwaites 35/37 (95%) | Attendance: 9,703 |
| Sun 31 May | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 62–51 | Central Pulse | Netball SA Stadium | |
| 11:48 AM (ACST) | Carla Borrego 42/47 (89%) Erin Bell 20/25 (80%) | Report Stats | Jodi Brown 22/31 (71%) Ameliaranne Wells 16/16 (100%)Irene van Dyk 13/15 (87%) |
| Sun 31 May | Queensland Firebirds | 66–50 | Southern Steel | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre | |
| 2:18 PM (AEST) | Romelda Aiken 49/60 (82%) Gretel Tippett 17/29 (59%) | Report | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 29/36 (81%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit 17/24 (71%)Brooke Leaver 4/4 (100%) |
| Sun 31 May | Mainland Tactix | 62–58 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | Horncastle Arena | |
| 7:10 PM (NZST) | Mwai Kumwenda 39/44 (89%) Bailey Mes 22/24 (92%) | Report | Joanne Harten 52/58 (90%) Malia Paseka 2/3 (67%)Ellen Halpenny 4/6 (67%) |
| Mon 1 June | Northern Mystics | 48–56 | Melbourne Vixens | The Trusts Arena | |
| 7:40 PM (NZST) | Maria Tutaia 16/30 (53%) Cathrine Latu 9/10 (90%)Paula Griffin 23/28 (82%) | Report Stats | Tegan Philip ? Karyn Bailey ? |
Source: [1]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | G% | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Queensland Firebirds | 13 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 708 | 608 | 116.4% | 23 |
| 2 |  New South Wales Swifts | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 746 | 665 | 112.2% | 19 |
| 3 |  West Coast Fever | 13 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 744 | 701 | 106.1% | 19 |
| 4 |  Melbourne Vixens | 13 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 670 | 657 | 102.0% | 14 |
| 5 |  Adelaide Thunderbirds | 13 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 667 | 682 | 97.8% | 10 |
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | G% | Pts |
| 1 |  Northern Mystics | 13 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 682 | 695 | 98.1% | 16 |
| 2 |  Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 13 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 643 | 663 | 97.0% | 11 |
| 3 |  Southern Steel | 13 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 759 | 775 | 97.9% | 8 |
| 4 |  Central Pulse | 13 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 620 | 656 | 94.5% | 8 |
| 5 |  Mainland Tactix | 13 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 664 | 801 | 82.9% | 2 |
Qualified for Conference finals
Qualified for Elimination finals
Sources: [54]
The 2015 season saw the introduction of the Ranfurly Shield-style, Challenge Trophy. The trophy was available to win every time the holder played at home. Once a visiting team defeats the title holders, the trophy is theirs to protect and hold against all challengers in every home game during the regular season until they are beaten. [2] [14] [15] A pre-season draw saw West Coast Fever declared the inaugural holder and they defended the trophy for first time on 8 March in Round 2 against Northern Mystics. [55] [56] Fever subsequently enjoyed a nine-game unbeaten run in the league. They retained the Challenge Trophy until Round 10 when they were defeated 56–48 by Queensland Firebirds. [57] [58] [59] Firebirds defended the trophy in Round 11 against Melbourne Vixens and in Round 14 against Southern Steel, finishing the season as trophy holders. [4] [7] [57] [60]
| Round | Holders | Score | Challengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 2 | West Coast Fever | 67–51 | Northern Mystics |
| Round 3 | West Coast Fever | 67–60 | Southern Steel |
| Round 5 | West Coast Fever | 55–50 | Adelaide Thunderbirds |
| Round 6 | West Coast Fever | 53–47 | Melbourne Vixens |
| Round 9 | West Coast Fever | 54–49 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic |
| Round 10 [58] [59] | West Coast Fever | 48–56 | Queensland Firebirds |
| Round 11 | Queensland Firebirds | 54–45 | Melbourne Vixens |
| Round 14 | Queensland Firebirds | 66–50 | Southern Steel |
Source: [57]
The new Conference format saw the top three teams from each Conference qualify for the Finals Series. The second and third placed teams from each Conference played off in the Elimination Final. The winner then took on the first placed team in the Conference Final. The four Conference finalists will then progress to the semi-finals where the Conference Champions hosted the runner up of the other conference for a chance to compete in the ANZ Championship Grand Final. [14] [15] [2]
| Fri 5 June 7:18 PM (AEST) | Stats | New South Wales Swifts | 60–53 | West Coast Fever | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre | |
| Caitlin Thwaites 32/34 (94%) Susan Pettitt 28/29 (97%) | Caitlin Bassett 37/40 (93%) Natalie Medhurst 16/18 (89%) |
Source: [61]
| Sun 7 June 12:18 PM (AEST) | Stats | Queensland Firebirds | 55–44 | New South Wales Swifts | Brisbane Entertainment Centre Attendance: 5,175 | |
| Romelda Aiken 36/39 (92%) Gretel Tippett ? | Susan Pettitt ? Caitlin Thwaites 17/21 (81%)Stephanie Wood ? |
| Sat 6 June 3:10 PM (NZST) | Stats | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 71–69 | Southern Steel | Claudelands Arena | |
| Joanne Harten 53/60 (88%) Malia Paseka ?Ellen Halpenny ? | Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 58/64 (91%) Te Paea Selby-Rickit ? |
Source: [64]
| Mon 8 June 7:40 PM (NZST) | Stats | Northern Mystics | 54–57 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | The Trusts Arena | |
| Maria Tutaia 28/32 (88%) Cathrine Latu 26/27 (96%) | Joanne Harten 35/38 (92%) Malia Paseka 22/26 (85%) |
Source: [65]
| Sun 14 June 12:18 PM (AEST) | Stats | Queensland Firebirds | 60–44 | Northern Mystics | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Attendance: 3,200 | |
| Romelda Aiken 42/48 (88%) Gretel Tippett 18/27 (67%) | Maria Tutaia 24/33 (73%) Cathrine Latu 17/18 (94%)Paula Griffin 3 ? |
| Sun 14 June 7:10 PM (NZST) | Stats | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 52–60 | New South Wales Swifts | Claudelands Arena Attendance: 4,200 | |
| Joanne Harten 39/44 (89%) Malia Paseka ?Ellen Halpenny ? | Susan Pettitt 27/29 (93%) Caitlin Thwaites 33/36 (92%) |
| Sun 21 June 12:10 PM (AEST) | Stats | Queensland Firebirds | 57–56 | New South Wales Swifts | Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Fox Sports Sky Sport | |
| Romelda Aiken 47/51 (92%) Gretel Tippett 10/17 (59%) | Susan Pettitt 26/28 (93%) Caitlin Thwaites 30/34 (88%) |
^1 Romelda Aiken was the MVP player in the Australian Conference and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid was the MVP player in the New Zealand Conference.
| Award | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand ANZ Championship Player of the Year | Laura Langman | Northern Mystics |
| New Zealand ANZ Championship Coach of the Year | Julie Fitzgerald | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic |
| Player | Team | GS/GA/G% |
|---|---|---|
 Romelda Aiken [85] | Queensland Firebirds | 648/779 (83%) |
| Jhaniele Fowler-Reid [85] | Southern Steel | 607/697 (87%) |
 Caitlin Bassett | West Coast Fever | 600/687 (87%) |
| Caitlin Thwaites | New South Wales Swifts | 506/574 (88%) |
| Carla Borrego | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 425/523 (81%) |
| Susan Pettitt | New South Wales Swifts | 422/481 (88%) |
| Karyn Bailey | Melbourne Vixens | 384/444 (86%) |
 Mwai Kumwenda | Mainland Tactix | 371/405 (92%) |
 Cathrine Latu | Northern Mystics | 360/384 (94%) |
| Maria Tutaia | Northern Mystics | 345/363 (95%) |
Sources: [86]
All 72 games were broadcast live on Fox Sports (Australia). Their commentary team included Liz Ellis, Sharelle McMahon, Catherine Cox and Kelli Underwood. Sunday afternoon's Match Of The Round were also broadcast live on One. [87] [88] Sky Sport (New Zealand) remained as the principal broadcast partner in New Zealand. Māori Television broadcast one full match replay on Te Reo while Prime TV showed highlights. [89]
The ANZ Championship, also known as the Trans-Tasman Netball League, is a former netball league featuring teams from both Australia and New Zealand. Between 2008 and 2016, it was the top-level league in both countries. The competition was owned and administered by Trans-Tasman Netball League Ltd (TTNL), a joint venture between Netball Australia and Netball New Zealand. It was effectively a merger of Australia's Commonwealth Bank Trophy and New Zealand's National Bank Cup. Its main sponsor was the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group.
Northern Mystics are a New Zealand netball team based in Auckland. Between 2008 and 2016, they played in the ANZ Championship. Since 2017 they have represented Netball Northern in the ANZ Premiership. Netball Northern is the governing body that represents the Auckland and Northland Regions. In 2021, Mystics won their first premiership and in 2023 they won their second.
Megan Anderson, also known as Megan McWilliams and previously known as Megan Dehn, is a former Australia netball international and current netball coach. Between 2000 and 2006 she made 20 senior appearances for Australia. She was a member of the Australia team that won the silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. During the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era, Anderson was a member of Sydney Swifts teams that won premierships in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007. During the ANZ Championship era, she played for Southern Steel and Northern Mystics. After retiring as a player in 2011, she became a coach. In 2020 Anderson was appointed head coach of Queensland Firebirds.
The 2009 ANZ Championship season was the second season of the ANZ Championship. The 2009 season began on 4 April and concluded on 26 July. Melbourne Vixens were minor premiers. With a team co-captained by Bianca Chatfield and Sharelle McMahon, Vixens subsequently defeated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 58–43 in the major semi-final and Adelaide Thunderbirds 54–46 in the grand final to finish as overall premiers. The grand final was played on Sunday 26 July at Hisense Arena.
Amorette Wild, also known as Amy Wild, is a former Australian netball player. Wild played for both New South Wales Swifts and Queensland Firebirds during the ANZ Championship era. She was a member of the Firebirds team that won the 2015 ANZ Championship. She also represented Australia at under-19, under-21 and Fast5 levels.
The 2011 ANZ Championship season was the fourth season of the ANZ Championship. The 2011 season began on 13 February and concluded on 22 May. With a team coached by Roselee Jencke, captained by Lauren Nourse and featuring Romelda Aiken, Laura Geitz, Clare McMeniman and Natalie Medhurst, Queensland Firebirds finished the season undefeated. They became the first team in the history of the ANZ Championship to go through the regular season and the playoffs without losing a single match. In the major semi-final, Firebirds defeated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and in the grand final they defeated Northern Mystics, winning their first premiership. This marked the beginning of a golden age for Firebirds. Between 2011 and 2016, Jencke guided them to five grand finals and three premierships.
The 2011 Mission Queensland Firebirds season saw Queensland Firebirds compete in the 2011 ANZ Championship. With a team coached by Roselee Jencke, captained by Lauren Nourse and featuring Romelda Aiken, Laura Geitz, Clare McMeniman and Natalie Medhurst, Firebirds finished the season undefeated. They became the first team in the history of the ANZ Championship to go through the regular season and the playoffs without losing a single match. In the major semi-final, Firebirds defeated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and in the grand final they defeated Northern Mystics, winning their first premiership. This marked the beginning of a golden age for Firebirds. Between 2011 and 2016, Jencke guided them to five grand finals and three premierships.
The 2011 New South Wales Swifts season saw New South Wales Swifts compete in the 2011 ANZ Championship. During the regular season, Swifts finished in third place. They qualified for the playoffs but subsequently lost to Northern Mystics in the minor semi-final, finishing the season in 4th place. After fifteen seasons as Sydney Swifts/New South Wales Swifts head coach, this was the last season Julie Fitzgerald served as head coach. Following a controversial "internal review", Fitzgerald was replaced as head coach by Lisa Beehag. The review was conducted during the 2011 season. Catherine Cox and Liz Ellis publicly criticized Netball New South Wales for distracting players with the review and even alleged that it was responsible for Swifts losing the 2011 minor semi-final.
The 2011 Northern Mystics season saw Northern Mystics compete in the 2011 ANZ Championship. With a team coached by Debbie Fuller and captained by Temepara George, Mystics finished the regular season fourth behind Queensland Firebirds, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and New South Wales Swifts. During the regular season, Mystics claimed their first win in Australia, with a 56–54 win over West Coast Fever in Round 9. Mystics defeated Swifts in the minor semi-final and Magic in the preliminary final before losing to Firebirds in the grand final. Mystics finished the season second overall.
The 2013 ANZ Championship season was the sixth season of the ANZ Championship. The 2013 season began on 24 March and concluded on 14 July. With a team captained by Natalie von Bertouch and featuring Erin Bell, Carla Borrego, Renae Hallinan, Rebecca Bulley and Sharni Layton, the Adelaide Thunderbirds won both the minor premiership and the overall championship. Having previously won the 2010 ANZ Championship, the Thunderbirds became the first team to win a second championship. The Thunderbirds secured the minor premiership with a 64–48 win over Northern Mystics in Round 13. They subsequently defeated Melbourne Vixens 49–39 in the major semi-final and Queensland Firebirds 50–48 in the grand final to win the championship.
The 2014 ANZ Championship season was the seventh season of the ANZ Championship. The 2014 season began on 1 March and concluded on 22 June. With a team coached by Simone McKinnis, captained by Bianca Chatfield and also featuring Tegan Caldwell, Geva Mentor, Madison Robinson and Catherine Cox, Melbourne Vixens won both the minor premiership and the overall championship. Vixens defeated Queensland Firebirds in both the major semi-final and the grand final as they won their second premiership. They won their first in 2009.
The 2016 ANZ Championship season was the ninth and last season of the ANZ Championship. The season began on 1 April 2016 and concluded on 4 July 2016. Southern Steel were minor premiers. However they subsequently lost the New Zealand Conference Final to Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and were defeated in the semi-finals by Queensland Firebirds. With a team coached by Roselee Jencke, captained by Laura Geitz and featuring Romelda Aiken, Clare McMeniman and Kim Ravaillion, Firebirds won the Australian Conference, the Challenge Trophy and the overall championship. Firebirds became the first and only team to retain the title. In a repeat of 2015, Firebirds defeated New South Wales Swifts in both the Australian Conference Final and the Grand Final.
The 2014 New South Wales Swifts season saw New South Wales Swifts compete in the 2014 ANZ Championship. Rob Wright replaced Lisa Beehag as head coach. Swifts finished the regular season in third place but subsequently lost to Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the minor semi-final.
The 2015 New South Wales Swifts season saw New South Wales Swifts compete in the 2015 ANZ Championship. Swifts finished the regular season in second place in the Australian Conference. In the play-offs, they defeated West Coast Fever and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic but twice lost narrowly to Queensland Firebirds in both the Australian Conference final and the Grand Final. It was Swifts' first appearance in the title decider since their successful 2008 campaign.
The 2015 Queensland Firebirds season saw the Queensland Firebirds netball team compete in the 2015 ANZ Championship. With a team coached by Roselee Jencke, captained by Laura Geitz and featuring Romelda Aiken, Clare McMeniman and Kim Ravaillion, Firebirds won the Australian Conference, the Challenge Trophy, the minor premiership and the overall championship. Firebirds narrowly defeated New South Wales Swifts in both the Australian Conference final and the Grand Final on their way to effectively winning four titles.
The 2016 Queensland Firebirds season saw the Queensland Firebirds netball team compete in the 2016 ANZ Championship. With a team coached by Roselee Jencke, captained by Laura Geitz and featuring Romelda Aiken, Clare McMeniman and Kim Ravaillion, Firebirds won the Australian Conference, the Challenge Trophy and the overall championship. Firebirds became the first and only team to retain the title. In a repeat of 2015, Firebirds defeated New South Wales Swifts in both the Australian Conference Final and the Grand Final.
The 2016 Southern Steel season saw the Southern Steel netball team compete in the 2016 ANZ Championship. With a team coached by Noeline Taurua, captained by Wendy Frew and featuring Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, Steel finished the season as minor premiers. However they subsequently lost the New Zealand Conference Final to Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and were defeated in the semi-finals by Queensland Firebirds.
Julie Fitzgerald is a veteran Australian netball coach. Between 1997 and 2007, Fitzgerald served as head coach of Sydney Swifts in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. She guided Swifts to premierships in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Between 2008 and 2011, she served as head coach of New South Wales Swifts in the ANZ Championship. In 2008, she guided Swifts to the inaugural ANZ Championship title. Between 2014 and 2016, she guided Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic to the Finals Series every year in the ANZ Championship. Since 2017, Fitzgerald has served as head coach of Giants Netball in Suncorp Super Netball, guiding them to two grand finals and two minor championships. In 2020, Fitzgerald was made a Member of the Order of Australia.
