2009 ANZ Championship Draw Announced

2009 ANZ Championship – 69 matches, 17 rounds, 1 title

Saturday, April 4, 2009 heralds the start of the much-anticipated return season of the ANZ Championship featuring the world’s best netballers in full flight.

Over 14 rounds, the 10 teams will duel for a coveted finals berth, culminating in the grand final showdown in late July.

In a repeat of the successful 2008 draw format, each team will once again take on their home country rivals twice and play teams from across the Tasman once.

The popular Monday night fixtures return on both sides of the Tasman and more Sunday broadcast games are scheduled in Australia to be aired by Channel TEN.

Melbourne Vixens host the season-opener against West Coast Fever on April 4 whilst later that day Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel take on Central Pulse in Invercargill.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds face their first road trip, heading north to challenge the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday, April 5.

Reigning premiers, the NSW Swifts launch their assault on the 2009 title at home against SKOPE Tactix on Monday, April 6 whilst 2008 runners-up Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic head to Auckland to duel with LG Northern Mystics.

ANZ Championship General Manager, Anthony Everard says fans will have a great opportunity to see some exciting clashes from the opening round of the competition.

“We’ve produced a draw that enables each team to be highly competitive and also enhances the entertainment and public appeal of this elite sporting competition,” he said.

All teams have a bye round during the 14 week home and away fixture.

The top four teams after the home-and-away season will contest the ANZ Championship Finals Series from July 11 with the season finale on either July 26 or 27.

To view the full draw please click on the link below.