Stars Secure Top Shooter Amelia Walmsley, Leaving Pulse Reeling

The Southern Stars have made a significant move in the world of netball by signing Amelia Walmsley, a standout shooter from the Silver Ferns, for the 2026 ANZ Premiership. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for the South Auckland-based team as they aim to rebound from a disappointing last-place finish in the 2025 season.

The signing comes with severe repercussions for the Pulse, who have now lost half of their roster. Over her four seasons with the Pulse, the 21-year-old Walmsley developed into one of the competition’s elite shooters. Her departure is compounded by the loss of three other key players. Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon will be heading to the Queensland Firebirds, while Whitney Souness is set to join the Sydney-based Giants. With Tiana Metuarau also leaving, the Wellington franchise faces the urgent challenge of replacing multiple shooters.

The Stars have also bid farewell to their foundation player and captain, Maia Wilson, who has opted out of the 2025/26 Silver Ferns squad. The departure of Wilson, alongside the retirement of Monica Falkner and the uncertain future of Australian shooter Charlie Bell, suggests that the Stars may look to recruit emerging talent, such as Martina Salmon, to join Walmsley in the circle.

The Stars acknowledged Wilson’s contributions in a heartfelt statement, highlighting her remarkable journey with the team. “From being with us since day one, playing nine seasons in purple, reaching three grand finals, scoring over 4,500 goals, and taking the court in purple for 134 matches – your impact on this club is enormous,” the statement read. “We value your commitment, energy, and the impact you’ve had on our club and community.”

Walmsley, who is returning to her roots, expressed her excitement about joining the Stars. Growing up in Auckland, she began her netball career with the Stars’ National Netball League team, the Comets, under the guidance of current Stars coach Temepara Bailey. Her ANZ Premiership debut came with 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 noted.

Reflecting on her decision to leave the Pulse, Walmsley described it as a difficult choice. “I always stay places for the people. Being able to work alongside Maddy, Tiana, and Whitney over the past few years in the attacking end has been something that I’ve absolutely loved,” she shared. “The Pulse franchise has done so much for me and given me so many amazing opportunities, so it was definitely a bittersweet moment.”

Walmsley had a breakout season in 2023, culminating in her call-up to the Silver Ferns. She led the competition in scoring and achieved an impressive 96 percent shooting accuracy. Her former coach at the Pulse, Anna Andrews-Tasola, praised her development over the years. “It’s been an absolute privilege to coach Amelia over the past four years,” Andrews-Tasola remarked. “Watching her grow into a confident, high-performing athlete has been nothing short of inspiring.”

In the broader landscape of the league, former Silver Fern captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has also announced her departure from the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. The Pulse, where Ekenasio began her ANZ Premiership career, may see this as an opportunity to recruit one of the nation’s top goal attacks.

The upcoming signing period promises to be a transformative time for both the Stars and the Pulse, as they navigate the shifting dynamics of player rosters in pursuit of success in the upcoming season.