100-game milestone for Magic captain

Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s stature as a world-class netballer reached new heights when she moved to New Zealand in 2015, and on Sunday, the Avis Magic captain will celebrate her 100th national league match.

Fittingly, Ekenasio will play her milestone match in the Round 8 clash against the MG Mystics, the two teams having swapped one-goal wins in their previous two clashes as the tight scramble for a place in the top three continues to escalate.

A tall, agile and graceful athlete, Ekenasio started her national league career at the Queensland Firebirds in 2011 in the ANZ Championship and has since played for the Pulse and Magic. She played for the Firebirds 2011-2014 (13 matches), Pulse 2015-2016, 2018-2020 (65 matches) and Magic 2022-2023 (21 matches).

Since making New Zealand her home, Ekenasio has also had two children, son Ocean, and daughter, Luna, during an illustrious career on this side of the Tasman.

Born in Queensland but of Ngaphui heritage, the stylish Ekenasio moved to New Zealand in 2014 after coming through the Australian system. She spent four years (2011-14) with the Queensland Firebirds but struggled for regular court time and was snapped up by the Pulse for the 2015 ANZ Championship.

More consistent game time paid dividends, a growing confidence resulting in impressive individual performances for the athletic shooter with the spectacular high-arching shot.

Able to play both shooting roles, Ekenasio is an excellent mover, with quick hands and feet, is good in the tight spaces and has an unwavering willingness to put the shots up from anywhere.

After moving to the Magic last season, Ekenasio has added a dynamic presence in 2023 with a return to her imperious best after the birth of her second child.