Crunch time for determined Steel
June 20, 2025
Remarkable things happen when the odds appear stacked against you.
Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel head coach Wendy Frew experienced exactly that plenty of times during a stellar playing career which spanned 16 years in netball’s top echelon.
Now, she’s at the helm preparing the Steel to take control of its own fate when it comes to booking a spot in next month’s ANZ Premiership finals series.
A win over the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse on Monday night is an integral part of the equation.
“It is a season-defining game for us, there’s no denying that,” Frew said.
“A must-win game always brings a bit of pressure but it’s all part of the competition and we know we really need to put a performance out there that we’re proud of.”
Executing a punishing 70-45 scoreline, the Pulse certainly had the upper hand when the two teams met in round four. So, it’s no surprise the Steel is eagerly anticipating the rematch.
“We were really disappointed with how we performed against the Pulse last time. We have grown a lot since that game and we’re just excited to have the opportunity to come up against them again and showcase that we’re a lot better than what we put out there against them previously,” Frew said.
“The girls are really excited … it’s actually frustrating the game is on Monday night because it feels like you have to wait that extra bit longer.”
Without revealing the fundamentals of the game plan, the overarching strategy relied heavily on the Steel’s own convictions.
“We just need to have trust in each other and trust in our own game plan. We have to make sure we each do our own jobs well and not be tempted to go into help out mode. We have to have faith in our own ability and how we work as a team to ensure we’re going to get the result out there,” Frew said.
“We know the Pulse are a physical side and we need to take on that challenge and just be really committed when we’re driving into that ball nice and strong, together with all of the things that will make a difference in a must-win game for us.
“With it only being two rounds, when you look at the points table this is a massive game, and we know bonus points will also come into play when determining who gets to the playoffs. Obviously, we need to win and not allow them to get a bonus point, but first and foremost our job is to get those three points on the board.”
The shortened season was a challenge for Frew and assistant coach Liana Leota.
“Each week we are trying to grow this group of athletes on the court to ensure we are putting out better performances,” Frew said.
“Because the competition is so short, at times you kind of feel like you’re only just getting started in terms of what you want to achieve in the playing environment.
“It’s tough, especially as a first-time coach given you only have 10 games. It is a big difference from previous seasons with 15, so you really have to fire early. Obviously, we didn’t get those first wins on the board, but we’ve done it to ourselves and we’re well aware of that.
“This bunch of girls are excited for the challenge of knowing we have to put it out there every single game and leave everything out on court.
“We’re happy with where things are at. Of course, you would always love more time in preseason and we wouldn’t wish the injuries we’ve had upon anyone but injuries are part of sport and other teams have had to contend with them too.
“We still want to take the game to another level in the next month so it’s really important we keep pushing on as coaches and continue to grow these players on the court. There’s been a lot of growth off the court – they are an outstanding group of athletes who are really committed to our Steel dress and the southern region so we’ve made great strides in that space.
“Now we need to translate that onto the court and make sure we’re competitive and putting our best foot forward every single game.”
