Dunn returns ‘home’ for 100th ANZ Premiership game

May 11, 2025

There’s a slight irony to Aliyah Dunn sporting Steel colours for her 100th ANZ Premiership game.

The talented Southlander made her debut in the elite national league with the Steel in 2017 and played just two games before being quickly lured north to ply her trade with the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse from 2018 to 2022 and the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix for the past two seasons.

Now she is officially “home” to mark one of the most significant milestones in her sporting career. She will join an exclusive club of players to have notched up 100 appearances when she takes the court against her former team tonight in Christchurch

“It’s pretty exciting to be able to play my 100th game. I’m just going to take it minute by minute, play by play. I’m sure it will be a great match and it will be nice to be on the right side this time,” Dunn said.

“Definitely after being injured last season, I no longer take anything for granted.

“Before my injury I probably would have felt like it was just another game but coming back after a knee injury and being able to finish a whole preseason and now prepare for the game is a blessing.

“It’s nice to be back in home colours. Honestly, it looks like it’s meant to be. I was all suited up ready to go for the hundy last season but didn’t quite make the cut.”

Dunn was relishing her time back in the south.

“It’s been so nice. It’s been an easy transition. I’ve been enjoying the coaches because they challenge me mentally and physically and that’s something that I really enjoy through the training,” she said.

“The girls are all cool – just so chill and easy to get along with. I think that’s just the nature of Southland and Invercargill – we’re just very laid-back people.”

Her partnership with fellow shooters Georgia Heffernan and Summer Temu was progressing strongly.

“I think one of our strengths is our shooting end. We’re pretty confident on the shot and we’re good on the rebounds too,” Dunn said.

“I’m so excited and I’m ready to play. I’m kind of gutted it’s only 10 games before finals which makes it quite a short season.”