A determined AVIS Magic team heads into their 2024 ANZ Premiership Round 3 match today at Pulman Arena in Auckland.

AVIS Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio was left ruing a similar storyline after her side started strongly but failed to maintain their form in the second half of their Round 2 match against the Pulse. 

It had been a carbon copy of their opening game and Ameliaranne is hoping they can make some changes to net their first win of the season when they travel to Auckland to take on the Stars today at 4pm.

When the teams last meet in Round 9 last season the Stars claimed a 61-55 win in Auckland. In 21 previous meetings the Stars have won 13, the Magic seven and there has been one draw.

The Stars are coming off a 54-59 bonus point loss to the Tactix In Christchurch in round two and sit in fourth place on the ladder.

The Stars claimed the first bonus point of the 2024 season against the Tactix on Sunday. The Magic is coming off a 44-56 loss to the Pulse in Wellington in round two and sit in fifth place.

Both teams are yet to record a win in 2024.

Ameliaranne believes the Magic team have enough in the tank but questions whether they were using their “top two inches”. 

“We’re shying away a bit of really wanting the ball, really demanding it,” says Ameliaranne.

“I don’t think we’re individually executing our role within our structures, so we just have to demand and expect more out of each other in those situations.”

Kate Taylor made her ANZ Premiership debut for the Magic against the Pulse in Wellington in Round 2.

They play a Stars side also searching for its first win, although coach Kiri Wills is pleased that her team has made progress over the opening two rounds.

With a number of new combinations still being bed in, the Stars were forced to use a new shooting duo last week with Summer Temu, the sister of former Stars defender Elle, making her debut. She may be an option again if Amorangi Malesala misses another week. 

Crystal Maro also made her ANZ Premiership debuts for the Stars in Round 2 against the Tactix in Christchurch.

“I’ve been very impressed with our young ones – it’s a huge boost to our confidence,” says Kiri.

“Summer is very very strong – she’s got a game sense about her that you can’t actually coach players. She’s one to watch.”

Summer shot 20/20 at 100 per cent on debut for the Stars against the Tactix in Round 2 and became the second Stars debutante in consecutive weeks to be named player of the match on debut after Lili Tokaduadua in Round 1 against the Pulse.

Stars player Holly Fowler will play her 100th national league match when she takes the court in Round 3 against the Magic. Gina Crampton will play her 150th national league match when she next takes the court in either the ANZ Premiership for the Stars or Super Netball for the Giants.

The Stars have played 38 ANZ Premiership matches at Pulman Arena in Auckland for a record of 22 wins and 16 losses. The Stars have won seven of their past 10 matches at Pulman Arena.

The Stars and Magic have played seven previous matches at Pulman Arena and the Stars have won five and the Magic two, the Stars have won the past four.

The Stars have won just two of eight quarters so far in 2024; they have won both third quarters but not won a first, second of fourth quarter this season.

The Magic have won both first quarters, so far this season, but they haven’t won a second, third or fourth quarter.

Stars v Avis Magic
When: 4pm, Saturday April 27
Where: Pulman Arena, Auckland
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now and TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ (NZ), International streaming on www.netballpass.com