Shining on the Big Stage: Top International Standouts from ANZ Premiership Round 7

Round 7 of the ANZ Premiership delivered arguably the most dramatic weekend of the season so far, featuring our very first extra-time thriller and massive shifts in the top-three standings. As the race for the Finals Series intensifies, the league’s international superstars and national squad standouts stepped up when the pressure was at its absolute highest.

From defensive masters to ice-cold shooters under extra-time pressure, here are the players who stole the show in Round 7.

Defensive Grit and Extra-Time Heroics: Steel vs. Magic (56–53)

The round opened with an absolute classic in Dunedin, where the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel edged out the Avis Magic in a grueling 56–53 extra-time nail-biter. While the match was tied 51–51 at the end of regular time, it was defensive masterclasses from both circles that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

• Carys Stythe (Steel): The towering New Zealand defender was an absolute wall at the back, disrupting the Magic’s shooting rhythm with a massive 4 interceptions and 6 deflections. Her ability to hunt for the ball in crucial moments kept the Steel’s momentum alive.
• Oceane Maihi (Magic): Keeping the Magic within striking distance, Maihi put on a clinic of defensive anticipation, securing 2 interceptions and 3 deflections against a lethal Steel frontline.
• Georgia Heffernan (Steel): When regular time couldn’t split the teams, Silver Fern Georgia Heffernan stepped up into the spotlight. At the end of the first three-minute half of extra time, she slotted the only Super Shot of the entire match, giving the Steel a psychological and structural edge they never relinquished, extending their winning streak to six.

Closing Out Under Pressure: Stars vs. Tactix (47–52)

The Northern Stars put up a ferocious fight at home, but the league-leading VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix proved exactly why they are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder, holding on for a 52–47 win.

The difference came down to a dominant second quarter from the Tactix (winning it by seven), backed up by clinical management of the game when the Stars mounted a heavy third-quarter fightback.

• Martina Salmon (Tactix): When the Stars closed the gap and threatened a late-game surge, Salmon showed ice-cold composure under the post. She continuously netted crucial two-point shots exactly when her team needed to take the sting out of the Stars’ momentum.
• Holly Mather (Tactix): In the engine room, Mather was the picture of elite midcourt control. Dictating the pace from center, her distribution and vision ensured the Tactix stayed composed during the Stars’ most physical defensive spells.

Directing the Class: Mystics vs. Pulse (58–47)

The round wrapped up with the GoSweetSpot Northern Mystics securing a commanding 58–47 victory over the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse to firmly cement their spot in the top three. While the final scoreline looks decisive, it was a dogged battle that wasn’t decided until the Mystics unleashed a ruthless 18–11 final quarter.

• Peta Toeava (Mystics): The veteran midcourter provided a absolute masterclass in center-court dominance. Serving as the calm to the Pulse’s defensive storm, Toeava single-handedly unlocked the opposition’s circle with 31 goal assists and 46 feeds, while confidently receiving 2 centre passes.
• Holly Comyns (Pulse): Despite the loss, the Pulse’s young defensive prodigy fought valiantly from the back. Leading the charge to keep the Pulse within arm’s reach for three quarters, Comyns racked up 1 interception and an impressive 7 deflections against one of the most potent attacking units in the competition.

ANZ Premiership Standings After Round 7

With only three rounds remaining in the regular season, the ladder is incredibly tight at the top: