Northern Mystics have claimed their fourth ANZ Premiership title with a 56-46 victory over Southern Steel in Auckland on 27 June, setting a new competition benchmark.
The win delivers redemption for the Auckland side, who lost last year's grand final. The fourth title represents a competition record for the franchise.
Early dominance sets platform
Mystics established control from the opening whistle, building a 15-11 lead after the first quarter. Defender Phoenix Karaka disrupted Steel's attacking structure early, while Steel goal shooter Aliyah Dunn struggled to find rhythm under defensive pressure.
The home side extended their advantage to seven goals midway through the second quarter before Steel clawed back ground. Mystics led 29-23 at half-time, with goal attack Filda Vui accounting for 18 goals and goal shooter Maia Wilson adding 11.
Steel challenge falls short
Steel mounted a third-quarter fightback, reducing the margin to two goals as defender Carys Stythe generated pressure through intercept attempts. Dunn landed a two-point shot at the end of the third quarter to narrow the gap to six goals, but Mystics pulled clear in the final period.
Karaka delivered crucial defensive interventions in the final quarter with multiple tips and intercepts that shut down Steel's momentum.
Attacking partnership proves decisive
Wing attack Peta Toeava and goal attack Vui formed an effective combination throughout the match, consistently finding space against Steel's defensive unit. Vui finished with 27 goals, while Wilson contributed 29 goals in the 10-goal victory.