Netball: living legends hailed

By Suzanne McFadden

Today's shrieking teen fans would not recognise her in a crowd, but Joan Harnett-Kindley is New Zealand netball's player of the century.

Harnett, the glamorous New Zealand captain of the '60s, out-pointed modern-day Silver Fern legends such as Sandra Edge and Rita Fatialofa for the dream player award. Harnett shot New Zealand to their first world championship victory in 1964.

New Zealand's top-seven dream team were named at netball's 75th anniversary dinner in Christchurch last night.

The team are: goal shoot, Margharet Matenga; goal attack, Joan Harnett-Kindley; wing attack, Rita Fatialofa; centre, Sandra Edge; wing defence, Lyn Gunson (formerly Parker); goal defence, Yvonne Willering; goal keep, Tracey Fear.

The biggest debate was over the goal defence bib, where Willering, who leads the Silver Ferns into battle against Australia tonight, got the nod ahead of former Ferns captain Wai Taumaunu.

Matenga, star shooter of the '80s, edged out Tracy Eyrl-Shortland, while her shooting partner Margaret Forsyth was reserve goal attack.

Two players from the 1960s, Judy Blair and Shirley Langrope, were on the bench for the midcourt. Leigh Gibbs, the woman who ousted Gunson from the New Zealand coaching job, was her understudy at wing defence.

Bernice Mene was the only current Fern to get a job, as goal keep reserve.

Lois Muir was the clear pick for personality of the century. Unsurprisingly, she wrapped up the ultimate coach award for her almost 15-year tenure with the Ferns.

Former Netball New Zealand president Dawn Jones was recognised as the top umpire while Anne Taylor, the president of the world netball body, IFNA, won the lifetime contribution award.