Interim replacement Erikana Pedersen has had a rollicking start to her time with the Pulse. Photo: PhotoWellington
Midcourter Erikana Pedersen has quickly transformed from retiree to key cog in the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse engine room during the opening rounds of the ANZ Premiership netball league.
Coming to the Pulse’s aid as an interim replacement player while Maddy Gordon recovers from injury, Pedersen put her retirement plans on hold and has left many wondering why she went down that route in the first place.
In the Pulse’s double-header opening to the season, Pedersen produced two stellar back-to-back performances, notably from centre, a position she’s rarely played while getting through close to the full 60 minutes of each.
With talented playmakers Tiana Metuarau and Whitney Souness on either side of her and the reliable figure of Aliyah Dunn under the hoop, the understated Pedersen revelled in the mix.
``I reckon I played the most centre I have over the weekend than I have my whole ANZ career, so it was very different, the lungs were burning and the body was feeling it but it was fun,’’ she said
``As a centre, I guess my role is so much easier because I’ve got such great ball handlers in that attacking end, so I’m really there just for an outlet pass which is really nice.
``I’ve really enjoyed being in the Pulse environment and I’m looking forward to what’s coming up.’’
Moving from the Mystics, Pedersen, 27, made a name for herself at the Tactix from 2015 – 2021. She is a former World Youth Cup winner with the 2013 NZ U21 team and made her Silver Ferns debut in 2018 before a serious knee injury stymied her progress. She then called time at the end of last season.
``I feel like having a little break away from netball completely over the summer has been really good for me,’’ she said. ``I’ve just come in with a fresh mindset and a little bit more balance in life all-round which has made the transition more fun for me.
``And that also means no huge expectations on myself. I’ve said all along, I’m not here to make the Silver Ferns or be the best player ever, I really am just filling in while Mads (Gordon) is away.’’
A third quarter lapse proved the difference when the Pulse went down by six in the first clash, the two Ps – possession and pressure – being key in their rematch against the Mystics in Auckland on Sunday.
``Obviously, we can’t wait for the ball to get into Grace (Nweke, shooter), it’s too hard by then. So, I think the centre/wing defence and goal attack/wing attack job this week is going to be crucial in getting ball earlier, before it even gets to that attacking third,’’ Pedersen said.
``And if we can keep possession when we have it and also let the long balls go because Aliyah is such a great target in the back. They score really quickly, so we need to slow that down as much as we can.’’
Missing last week’s game due to Covid, the Pulse welcomed coach Yvette McCausland-Durie back during the week and she couldn’t be happier with Pedersen’s contribution.
``We were really impressed when she came in for our pre-season matches in Dunedin (against Steel), not just her playing skills but as a person and her ability to fit in with the team and contribute,’’ the coach said.
``She’s consistent and has the ability to find the right spaces to be in. I like that she’s a completely different pace to what else is out there which really balances the front court and she’s got really sublime feeding skills.’’
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