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NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW: DUNEDIN NETBALL

9th January 2026

Dunedin Netball refresh squad and set sights on National League step forward.

Dunedin Netball head into this year’s National League campaign with a refreshed, more focused playing group and a clear target: turn last season’s progress into a genuine push for the finals.

After chalking up four wins in the previous campaign – including a standout result against Accies, who went on to reach the finals – the Dunedin camp has spent the off-season sharpening its identity and tightening how the programme is delivered.

A centralised core and more balance across the bench

Head coach Katy MacGregor says one of the biggest shifts has been how Dunedin’s squad is structured week-to-week.

“We’ve changed the core squad that supports our National League programme,” MacGregor said. “In the past we spread that across two squads, but this year we’ve centralised it – specialising the programme around 12 core athletes, with some additions who can inject across the group to build depth and balance.”

The goal, she added, is to create a team that can cope with the different challenges the league presents – and to do it without being locked into one way of playing.

“It’s about being versatile,” she said. “We want to be able to adapt our game plan, use our bench well, and disrupt teams defensively.”

Turning four wins into finals form

For MacGregor, the step from “competitive” to “contender” comes down to consistency – and having the confidence to change things mid-match.

“It’s consistency and game-plan adaptation,” she said. “If we can use our strength and depth across the bench, we don’t have to play one style. We can shift gears, change the look defensively, and make it harder for teams to settle.”

That adaptability will be crucial in a league where styles can vary dramatically from week to week.

“It’s exciting,” MacGregor said. “Teams play differently – Edinburgh and Glasgow bring different looks – and that experience is so valuable. Last year we had matches with really strong quarters, and really strong halves. The challenge is turning that into 60 minutes.”

Building a full 60-minute performance

Dunedin’s focus this season is sustaining pressure over four quarters – not just producing flashes.

“A bit more depth across the bench will really help,” MacGregor said. “We can throw in a different style if things get stagnant, and it gives the players on court confidence. They can go hard knowing there are very capable people on the bench who can come on if someone needs a break.”

In attack, the targets are equally clear.

“Last year, winning scores were often in the 55–60 goal range,” MacGregor said. “That needs to be the benchmark for us.”

Leadership group: calm heads and strong connection

Off court, Dunedin’s leadership group is placing a big emphasis on connection, communication, and keeping the team steady in tight moments.

Vice-captain Cammie Gilchrist-Brown describes her leadership style as calm, observant, and practical – especially when the pressure rises.

“I’m quite observant and level-headed,” she said. “In tougher games, when things are tight, I try to sit in that middle space so we can control the pace and lead by example.”

Gilchrist-Brown also plays a key role in the team’s organisation – the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.

“Coach asked me to be vice-captain because she needed someone to set an example — a doer,” she said. “I do a lot of the admin side too, like emailing other teams and organising things.”

Captain Chloe Alexander says leadership matters as much away from the court as it does during the game – and that the group has built a strong, honest culture.

“I like to think we’re a team people can come to with any issues, off court and on,” Alexander said. “We’re a feedback-based team – we look at games, we look at individual performance, and we want to keep improving.”

With a busy period ahead for MacGregor holding a key role in the Commonwealth Games organisation – alongside the demands of National League – she says having strong support around her will be important.

“It’s going to be a chaotic time of year,” she said. “So it’s about the athletes on court and what they can bring – and the support around the team when it matters.”

Ready to test the new look

With fresh faces, a clearer structure, and a renewed commitment to adaptability, Dunedin head into the season looking to turn last year’s promise into consistent, four-quarter performances.

“We’re looking forward to it,” MacGregor said. “We’ve got changes, we’ve got depth, and we’re excited to see what this group can do.”