Pacific star leads Steel into NZ netball final with Mystics after win over defending champs

Invercargill-born Sāmoan-Māori shooting star Aliyah Dunn will lead the Steel into the Grand Final after helping secure a hard-fought 60-54 win over the defending champions Tactix in Sunday’s elimination final.

The Ascot Park Hotel Steel now travel to Auckland to meet minor premiers GoSweetSpot Mystics in this coming weekend’s season decider of the ANZ Premiership 2026.

It has been an eight-year wait for the Steel franchise and that wait is now on the line.

Dunn was central to the Steel’s attacking structure against the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix, finishing clinically under the post and providing a steadying presence in a match that tightened in key moments.

Her influence helped the Steel build early control in front of a full home crowd in Invercargill, where the hosts set the tone with a strong opening quarter.

Defender Carys Stythe also played a key role, producing consistent pressure in the circle and disrupting the Tactix’ attacking flow at crucial stages of the match.

The Steel’s early momentum proved decisive, with their first-quarter advantage giving them a buffer the Tactix were unable to fully erase.

At the other end, Georgia Heffernan supported Dunn well in the shooting circle, helping the Steel maintain scoreboard pressure when the contest tightened.

The Tactix, the defending champions, fought their way into the contest through periods of resilience, with shooter Charlie Bell providing a steady target under pressure.

But every time the visitors threatened to shift momentum, the Steel responded through structure and defensive intensity, keeping control of the key passages of play.

Wing attack and Fijian flyer Serina Daunakamakama also contributed strongly, linking play cleanly and feeding accurate ball into the shooters to keep the attack flowing.

While the Tactix narrowed the margin at times, they were unable to sustain pressure long enough to overturn the early deficit, with the Steel holding firm to close out the win.

Now attention turns to Auckland where the Steel will face a Mystics side that finished the regular season at the top of the table and will carry home advantage into the Grand Final.

For Dunn and the Steel, it is a chance to turn a strong season into championship success one win away from ending an eight-year wait.

The Steel vs Mystics final will be played on Saturday 27 June at the Trusts Arena Auckland from 7pm (NZT). For information on tickets, click here.