Netball: Pulse plan to plug gap with Aussie

Ameliaranne Wells.

Queenslander in sights of capital franchise but selection could add to crisis in New Zealand shooting circle.

The Central Pulse have lined up an Australian shooter to plug one of the many vacancies in their attack end.

Following Herald enquiries yesterday, the Wellington franchise announced late last night they have signed Queensland shooter Ameliaranne Wells, who has spent the past four seasons at the Firebirds. As Wells' father is of Maori descent she does not count as an import as she is eligible to play for the Silver Ferns.

"I still have a lot of family in New Zealand, so I can't wait to get back to our family roots," she explained. "It's been a long time since we have been back, but I have this feeling like I'm coming home."

The 1.86m shooter is in the rare position of being eligible to represent New Zealand and Australia and has the luxury of being able to play for ANZ Championship franchises on both sides of the Tasman without taking up an import spot.

However, if Wells chooses not to make herself available for Ferns selection, the Pulse will come under heavy criticism for adding to New Zealand's depth crisis in the shooting circle.

Concerns have already been raised over the number of import shooters playing for New Zealand franchises, with the Steel, Tactix and Magic all fielding overseas players in key shooting roles. With retired Fern Irene van Dyk set to return for the Pulse next season, it will be a poor look if they have yet another player blocking pathways for up-and-coming shooters.

Should Wells make herself available for national selection and prove herself genuinely committed to New Zealand, Netball NZ would welcome her inclusion in the programme given the country's lack of depth in the shooting end, but Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu will also be wary of looking to Australian-developed players to provide a short-term fix to New Zealand's depth crisis, particularly with the poor track record in integrating transplanted Aussies into the system.

New Zealand-born, Perth-raised defender Larrissa Willcox had a short-lived stint with the Ferns in 2009 and was never to be heard of again. Former NSW Swifts midcourter Courtney Tairi has been unable to establish her place in the national side since moving to New Zealand two years ago. Tairi played three tests for the Ferns last season but slipped down the midcourt ranks after a series of indifferent showings against Australia in the Constellation Cup.

It is yet to be seen if the recruitment of Wells will help bolster the Ferns' pool of shooters, but the 23-year-old is a handy addition to the Pulse line-up.

The Pulse have lost a large chunk of their attack end from last season with Camilla Lees, Paula Griffin (Mystics), Gemma Hazeldine (Tactix) and Donna Wilkins (retired) not returning in 2015. It is understood midcourter Katarina Cooper has also signed with another franchise.

After spending the bulk of her first few seasons on the bench for the Firebirds behind star Jamaican import Romelda Aiken and Australian international Natalie Medhurst, Wells received more court time this year following the defection of Medhurst to the West Coast Fever.

Pulse chief executive Carolyn Young believes the Queenslander will bring a new dimension to the team.

"Ameliaranne has represented Australia at age group level and is an experienced ANZ Championship player. She brings with her familiarity of the Australian approach to netball that will only add to the team's overall skill base next season," said Young.