Newly signed Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel players Ali Wilshier and Sarahpheinna Woulf have already got their combination flowing.

Both Wilshier and Woulf are currently playing together in Australian State team the USC Thunder on the Sunshine Coast, before they head over to New Zealand to prepare for the 2021 ANZ Premiership season. 

2019 Beko Netball League Player of the Year Wilshier said it was exciting to already be working with Woulf. 

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“At the end of July I came over to Aussie when the Beko Netball League got cancelled due to COVID-19. I still wanted to keep playing and this opportunity came up which has been amazing,” she said. 

“It’s really exciting Sarahpheinna and I are both coming over to New Zealand to play together, she’s an awesome player and person and to carry that connection on with her will be really cool.” 

Wilshier has added an extra dimension to her time in Australia, living with Silver Ferns legend Laura Langman. 

“It’s been really awesome to have a familiar face over here, it’s been a little bit difficult moving away from family as they can’t come and see me so she has been a really massive help both on and off the court.” 

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Up-and-coming talent Woulf, has previously played for the Sunshine Coast Lighting and is looking to take her game to a new level when she links up with the Steel. 

“I was asked to be a training partner for the Sunshine Coast Lightning 2018 season and got called up into the team as a replacement shortly after, but ended up rupturing my ACL at a national age group camp which was unfortunate,” Woulf said. 

“Rehab was the hardest thing I have been through. It is a mental battle and pushing through the hard times. It has definitely made me stronger mentally, you just have to pick yourself up, it’s only you and you’re the one that has to push yourself. I have definitely come back stronger.” 

“It hasn’t really hit me yet that I’m coming [to Steel] but I’m really excited. I knew for me if I wanted to improve my netball, I needed to step outside of my comfort zone which this certainly is. I’m nervous but very excited.” 

 2021 Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel 

Taneisha Fifita 

George Fisher 

Kate Heffernan 

Tiana Metuarau 

Kiana Pelasio 

Shannon Saunders 

Renee Savai’inaea 

Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit 

Ali Wilshier 

Sarahpheinna Woulf