Netball: Ekenasio to make top-level return at Fast5 World Series

Silver Ferns shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio is hoping to push her case for selection in next year's Commonwealth Games. Photo/PHOTOSPORT

Silver Ferns shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio will make her return to top-level netball at the Fast5 World Netball Series in Melbourne next month.

Ekenasio, who gave birth to son Ocean in June, has been included in the 10-strong squad for the tournament in what will be her first appearance at elite level since last year's Netball Quad Series.

The silky shooter, who stepped up brilliantly in the absence of the injured Maria Tutaia last season, is chasing re-selection in the national team for next year's Commonwealth Games. But with the domestic season not getting underway until after the Gold Coast Games next year, the opportunities for meaningful court time are limited.

The Fast5 World Series, netball's shortened version of the game, will offer Ekenasio an intense crash course in the different styles of play of the top six nations.

Ekenasio will be one of six players in the New Zealand side with a test cap to their name, with current Silver Ferns Kayla Cullen, Maia Wilson and Temalisi Fakahokotau the other headline acts.

Mystics defender Storm Purvis will captain the New Zealand side, which is eyeing their fifth straight title.

The Fast5 Ferns will be coached by Kiri Wills, who led the NZU21 side to gold at the World Youth Cup in Botswana earlier this year, for the second straight season.

Wills said she is excited by the young talent in the side.

"We've selected an exciting mix of players who will bring plenty of speed, flair and creativity," she said.

"Fast5 is an exciting product and that's how we'll be hoping to play - we're going over there to win the title.

"The atmosphere at Fast5 is amazing; the kiwi supporters really get behind us and get into the spirit of the event."

The Fast5 Ferns have been victorious on six of the seven occasions the event has been held, with England the only other team to taste victory in 2011.

This year's tournament will be played in Melbourne from October 28-29.

Fast5 Ferns team:
Jamie Hume, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Monica Falkner, Maia Wilson, Erikana Pederson, Whitney Souness, Kayla Cullen, Storm Purvis (c), Zoe Walker, Temalisi Fakahokatau.