The Northern Mystics have cemented their place as the most successful team in ANZ Premiership history, defeating the Southern Steel 56-46 in Auckland to claim a record fourth national title.
Playing before a passionate home crowd at The Trusts Arena, the Mystics delivered a composed and clinical performance to cap off a dominant 2026 campaign that saw them finish as minor premiers before lifting the premiership trophy.
After a tightly contested opening quarter, the Mystics steadily took control through relentless defensive pressure and accurate shooting, creating turnovers that allowed them to build a decisive lead. By the final whistle, they had secured a 10-goal victory and etched their name deeper into New Zealand netball history.
The title is the club’s fourth ANZ Premiership championship, moving them ahead of the Central Pulse as the competition’s most successful franchise since the league began in 2017. It also marks another milestone for head coach Tia Winikerei, whose leadership has overseen one of the competition’s modern dynasties.
The Southern Steel entered the decider full of confidence after eliminating the defending champion Mainland Tactix to reach their first grand final in eight years. They matched the Mystics early but were unable to contain the home side’s defensive intensity and disciplined execution during the second half.
The victory caps a remarkable season for the Auckland-based franchise, which earned hosting rights after claiming the minor premiership and entered the grand final on a six-match winning streak.
For New Zealand netball, the result reinforces the high standard of the ANZ Premiership and sets the stage for another exciting domestic season, with the Mystics now the benchmark every other franchise will be chasing.
The championship also provides another boost for the code ahead of international commitments, with many of the competition’s standout performers expected to feature prominently in future Silver Ferns campaigns.
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