Rising Star Returns Home For 2026 ANZ Premiership Season

Dynamic Silver Ferns shooter Amelia Walmsley will be heading home to Auckland to join the Stars for the 2026 ANZ Premiership season.

The 21 year-old comes to the Stars after four seasons with the Pulse, where she established herself as one of the competition’s best shooters.

Walmsley says she’s excited to come home and join a powerful Stars playing group.

“Coming from Auckland and being able to wear that purple dress and represent my original home will be really special. I have worn other dresses and those places have become second homes, but it means a lot to be able to come back to Auckland and it will be awesome to be able to play in front of family and friends and be In the environment.” Walmsley said.

The Howick College product began her netball journey with Stars' National Netball League side the Comets, under the tutelage of current Stars coach Temepara Bailey, before making her ANZ Premiership debut for the Tactix during the 2021 season.

“I think it’s a full circle moment as Temepara gave me the opportunity with the Comets which essentially gave me exposure and allowed me to get my first contracts.” Walmsley explained.

“It’s great to be able to come back and be coached by her in the ANZ Premiership. She has so much knowledge and is an awesome human, so I can’t wait to be back under her wing and absorb all of the experience and knowledge she has to offer.”

Walmsley was the top shooter for 2024, netting 491 of her 511 attempts at a remarkable 96.1%, and had three 100% games.

She believes she comes to the Stars with new-found confidence.

“I’ve gained some great experience in the ANZ Premiership and Silver Ferns environments. I feel I’ve solidified my shot routine which I think has changed over the years and had really good progress with strength and conditioning coaches to allow me to be a lot more athletic and stronger and be dominant at the shooting end.”

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