The MG Mystics have become back-to-back ANZ Premiership champions beating the Te Wānanga O Raukawa Pulse by the narrowest of margins 54 – 53 in tonight’s Grand Final at TSB Arena in Wellington.

The Mystics are the third ANZ Premiership team, including the Steel and the Pulse, to win consecutive titles, and have equalled the Pulse’s record as the most successful ANZ Premiership franchise with three Grand Final wins including in 2021 and 2023.

Both sides came out of the gates hungry on defence, breaking each other’s centre passes and putting immense pressure on the ball through court.

The Pulse worked hard to keep the Mystics feeders off the circle edge, but the Mystics’ remained calm and patient on the feed, working it around until space opened up.

Pulse goal-keeper Kelly Jackson took advantage of a couple of close misses by Nweke to snatch the rebounds and gift her side a chance at gaining the advantage.

At the opposite end, Phoenix Karaka’s three-foot guard and precision timing created disruption in the Pulse’s shooting circle and combined with her anticipation of the pass helped to produce a number of turnovers.

Mystics wing-defence Michaela Sokolich-Beatson applied strong defensive pressure around the circle edge and came away with a stunning intercept for her efforts.

Ultimately the Mystics were better at capitalising on their opportunities and were able to pull away late in the quarter to a five-goal lead 14 – 9.

The second quarter saw a momentum shift in favour of hosts the Pulse who staged a comeback and eventually reclaimed the lead.

The second phase off the centre pass was where the Mystics encountered trouble, unable to penetrate the Pulse’s tight zone defence and get the ball to the circle edge. The sustained defensive pressure produced a number of turnovers for the Pulse and forced Mystics coach Tia Winikerei to make tactical changes midway through the quarter, bringing Katie Te Ao on at centre and Filda Vui on at goal-attack.

Pulse wing-attack Whitney Souness went off early on after a nasty head clash with Sokolich-Beatson, bringing Claire Kersten back on at centre and pushing Maddy Gordon to wing-attack.

Despite a run of goals from the Pulse, the Mystics were able to claw back the advantage and hold on to a two-goal lead 27 – 25 heading into the half time break.

The see-saw continued into the third quarter with both sides jostling for the lead and hunting for precious turn-over ball.

Pulse wing-defence Fa’amu Ioane was a formidable presence on defence, putting in a huge effort in an attempt to shut down the Mystics’ number one feeder Peta Toeava.

The Pulse continued to apply strong pressure on the Mystics through court and in the shooting circle, preventing the easy long ball into Nweke and forcing them to work the ball around to find a clear pass.

Mystics goal-attack Filda Vui answered the call providing another option on attack, working herself into the shooting circle and utilising her great vision to get the ball to Nweke under the post.

Catherine Hall was brought on at goal-keeper for the Mystics midway through the quarter, pushing Karaka to goal-defence. The pair combined well to disrupt Pulse goal-shooter Amelia Walmsley and put doubt in her mind leading her to reset the ball instead of attempting the shot.

The Mystics led by one 42 – 41 heading into the final quarter.

It all came down to the clock in the last stanza with both sides putting up a colossal fight to the very end.

Hall came away with a turnover to open the quarter, but soon found herself alone in the defensive circle with Karaka sent off for a two-minute suspension for dangerous play.

Despite being down a critical player on defence, the Mystics only conceded two points during the suspension, maintaining attacking possession well to prevent the ball reaching the Pulse’s end.

The Mystics were penalised heavily on attack, creating opportunities for the Pulse who went up by two heading into the dying minutes.

Tensions ran high as the clock wound down and the Mystics maintained their composure under a heavy onslaught from the Pulse to bring the score back to even.

The Mystics found themselves in possession of the ball with just seconds remaining and used time to their advantage to play the ball around until the final moments when Nweke slotted a clutch shot on the buzzer to seal the win 54 – 53.