The New Idea Australian Netball League (ANL) has fired into action with the Australian Institute of Sport

(AIS) taking on the Netball NSW Waratahs in the opening match of the competition, now in its second year.

Round 1 is the first of seven rounds that will be played throughout July, August and September, culminating in a

Finals Series weekend on 12 – 13 September.

The 2009 ANL Grand Final will be played as a curtain raiser to the Holden Netball Test Series match between the

Australian Netball Diamonds and New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in Brisbane on 13 September.

Featuring up and coming netballers from all around Australia and Asia, the 2009 ANL season promises to be a

season of skill, athleticism and uncovering new talent.

The 2008 Grand Final rematch takes place in Round 7 when defending premiers Victorian Fury meet the AIS in

Tasmania.

With seven Australian 21/U players in the team, the AIS is a window into the bright future of Australian netball. The side will be out for redemption after losing last year’s decider by 15 goals.

Singapore’s inclusion in the league adds an extra dimension to the competition, giving players the opportunity to

gain international experience playing against a different style of netball.

Territory Storm, Western Australia and Victorian Fury will all travel to Singapore to battle their Asian rivals.

This opportunity is a vital step in players’ growth and development as they learn to deal with the rigours of