NETBALL SCOOP: Trans-Tasman Mens preview

MATCHES

Test 1: Sunday 20th October – 12pm – TSB Arena, Wellington

Test 2: Wednesday 23rd October – 12pm – Spark Arena, Auckland

Test 3: Saturday 26th October – AIS Netball Centre, Canberra

Test 4: Wednesday 30th October – 1.30pm – John Cain Arena, Sydney

Tickets for game 1 and 2 are available via Ticketmaster NZ

Tickets for game 3 (Super Saturday) are available at https://www.stickytickets.com.au/jg4xa/trans_tasman_2024_game_3__super_saturday.aspx

Tickets for game 4 are available from Ticketek

Matches 1, 2 and 4 will be broadcast.

TEAMS

Australia 

Josh Byron

Liam Forcadilla

Jerome Gillbard

Liam Killey

Dravyn Lee-Tauroa

Joe Miller

Dylan Nexhip

Victor Nikolic

Alastair Punshon

Riley Richardson

Brodie Roberts

Jack Vandervelde

Coach: Nerida Stewart

New Zealand

Tane Apaapa

Timmy Apisai

Dylan Bartels

Elliot Clark 

Liam Dalton

Oceon Grady

Te Matahiapo Hynes

Thomson Matuku

Mikaira Raerino

Kruze Tangira

Joh Takaki

Eriata Vercoe

Coach: Helene Wilson

Results from 2023

Test 1: Australia 76 def New Zealand 41

Test 2: Australia 63 def New Zealand 49

Test 3: Australia 68 def New Zealand 54

Australian Kelpies

The Kelpies have leavened a familiar squad with a few new faces, and their experience will be difficult for the Tall Blacks to overcome. While New Zealand were able to narrow the gap in last year’s series, reducing their first deficit from 35 to 14 in the second two games, Australia have the advantage of some well-honed connections.  

In the shooting circle, goal shooter Jerome Gillbard and Australia’s most capped player, Brodie Roberts, should be the first choice pairing. Both are vastly experienced – Gillbard using his positioning and wiles to be a strong presence under the post, while Roberts’ courtcraft and ability to cut the circle and find space are always difficult to defend against. Dravyn Lee-Tauroa has been more commonly seen in defence in recent years, but his outstanding athleticism has seen him selected as a shooter in the 2024 Trans Tasman Cup. Too good to warm the bench, Lee-Tauroa could potentially fill a swing role this year between both ends of the court, while Liam Killey will round out the shooting end.

Australia’s midcourt will see Riley Richardson and Liam Forcadilla used predominantly at wing attack and centre. The duo are a well oiled machine after several years with the Kelpies, with their speed and electric movement in attack a stand out, while Forcadilla in particular has good defensive capabilities. Their combination with the shooting circle, and use of angles, will keep the NetBlack defenders on their toes. Joe Miller will likely take the court at centre or wing defence after a few years as a training partner, while left-hander Jack Vandervelde’s workrate at wing defence is an important piece of the puzzle. 

While captain Dylan Nexhip has predominantly been seen at wing defence in recent years, he looks set to spend more time at goal defence this season. Nexhip can always be relied on to come up with crucial gains, while his leadership and on court presence is crucial for the Kelpies’ success. Since returning from AFL pathways, Josh Byron’s anticipation and elevation has seen him stamp his name on the goal keeper bib, while Al Punshon’s aerialism and grit should see him take plenty of ball. Victor Nikolic, who’s been in strong form since his debut last year, rounds out the Kelpies’ defensive end.

The Kelpies outstripped the NetBlacks for gains the last times they met – coming up with 43 compared to 30 across three matches. While Byron led the way, most of the Kelpies contributed, with a good spread of gains also across their midcourt as they pressured New Zealand into errors. The Kelpies will need to continue this level of dominance in order to be successful. 

Australia’s defensive pressure created numerous opportunities for them. Image by: May Bailey | Clusterpix

New Zealand NetBlacks

The New Zealand mens’ team has just five of last year’s test team returning to take on Australia in a four match series. However, more than half of their number are drawn from the Mystics and Stars mens’ teams, who played a three game series in July. So despite the lack of international experience of some athletes, good connections should exist between many of their athletes. That said, in their 2023 encounters, New Zealand lost by 35, 14 and 14 goals, and will have work to do to make inroads into those margins. One of the keys to their success will be lowering their turnovers, after giving away 31, 30 and 22 (average of 28/game)  in their last three outings against the Kelpies. 

For the first time in a number of years, they will be without towering goal shooter Junior Levi, and will have to find another avenue to the post. In 2023, Levi shot 124 of the Net Blacks’ 144 goals when the two sides met, and will leave behind a massive pair of shoes to fill. Mikaira Raerino has impressed there during his outings for the Mystics, while Elliot Clark plays an athletic game at goal attack and is particularly effective from range. 

Clark, who has relocated from Western Australia, can also add defensive pressure through the midcourt. He will be supported by left-handed goal attack Thomson Matuku, whose high arching shot is difficult to block, although his accuracy can go astray at times. 

The NetBlacks midcourt will be bolstered by the return of former captain Kruze Tangira. One of the most respected figures in the game, Tangira is a safe pair of hands in centre and will add both attacking and defensive nous as he links the two ends of the court. Te Matahiapo Hynes and Eriata Vercoe both return from last year’s NetBlacks’ team, adding experience to the group.

Defensively is where the NetBlacks could shine, with a number of familiar faces set to star. Timmy Apisai makes a welcome return after sitting out last year’s series, and his athleticism and reach make him a challenge to face at goal keeper. Dylan Bartels was one of New Zealand’s best performed defenders last year, pulling in nine gains across three tests against Australia, while Tane Apaapa and Oceon Grady will also add intensity.

Net Blacks GK Dylan Bartels getting air time over the shot of Jerome Gillbard. Image – Simon Leonard