Amelia Kerr - Wellington Blaze
The 2021/22 season was yet another one to remember for the rising star that is Melie Kerr. Melie has continued to establish herself as one of the best allrounders in world cricket, playing an integral role for both the Wellington Blaze in their Dream11 Super Smash triumph, and then the WHITE FERNS at the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Kerr was a key part of the Blaze’s unbeaten Super Smash triumph, taking home the Super Smash Player of the Year award. Kerr transferred her form to the international arena, establishing herself at number three in the WHITE FERNS batting order for the ICC Women’s World Cup and taking home the ANZ International Women’s ODI Player of the Year award. With the rapid growth in women’s sport around the globe, Melie Kerr is now on the cusp of establishing herself as one of the world’s most recognisable female athletes.
Dion Prewster - Wellington Saints
Dion Prewster a professional basketball player currently playing for Melbourne United in the ANBL, he has played for the Wellington Saints for 5 seasons including being the captain on the 2021 championship team. A Wellington College Old Boy, Dion is always giving back to the community coaching in schools and helping aspiring young basketball players at the start of their journeys, a future coach in the making when his playing career is over.
Maddy Gordon - Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse
Systematically building on her repertoire, dynamic young midcourter Maddy Gordon played her fourth season in Pulse colours in 2022. Making the bold decision to move to Wellington from Auckland in her first year out of school paid dividends for the midcourter, who quickly found her niche in the Capital. She has since shown her all-round credentials with the ability to slip comfortably between all three midcourt positions. A super quick and skilful midcourter with a non-stop engine, Gordon continues to grow her expertise after a heady 2020 delivered an MVP performance in the Grand Final and first-time selection in the Silver Ferns squad, and since retaining her position in the 2021/22 squad. Immensely popular on all fronts, Maddy isn’t averse to showing off her other skill sets and sense of fun through her strong following on TikTok.
Oli Sail - Wellington Phoenix
Charismatic goalkeeper Oli Sail is in his eighth season with the Wellington Phoenix. The 26-year-old established himself as the Phoenix’s no. 1 in 2021 and was named vice-captain at the start of the 2021/22 A-League season. He took over as captain in March when Alex Rufer suffered a season-ending knee injury and helped guide the Nix to the finals. Sail made his long-awaited debut for the All Whites earlier this year and is in line to start in goal in New Zealand’s intercontinental World Cup playoff in June.
TJ Perenara - Hurricanes
A Livewire halfback and extraordinary scavenger of the ball, the competitive TJ Perenara has been at the top of his game for close to a decade. Perenara has played 78 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2014 and is the most-capped Hurricane of all time, having played 147 games since making his Super Rugby debut in 2012. He won a Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015 and a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes in 2016. Perenara is currently closing in to become the leading try-scorer in Super Rugby history and is an outstanding leader and role model, leading New Zealand’s haka before All Blacks Test matches. Perenara is a thoughtful spokesperson and advocate for equality and social justice causes, the scrumhalf has raised funds for, and supported, diversity causes including wearing rainbow laces on his boots.