Netball: Support from big guns saves Grant

Katrina Grant has apologised for her actions. Photo / Getty Images

Pulse skipper escapes misconduct ban for post-match outburst after netball heavyweights speak up for her.

Katrina Grant has narrowly avoided the ignominy of being the first ANZ Championship player banned for misconduct after several respected netball identities went into bat for her.

The Central Pulse skipper escaped with a warning and a suspended ban after being found guilty of breaching the league's code of conduct after a post-match clash with an umpire following her side's 55-all draw with the Southern Steel in round 12.

Grant was told any more incidents of misconduct in the next 12 months would earn her a two-match ban.

The ANZ Championship's disciplinary officer took into account the Silver Fern defender's clean record and clear remorse when issuing the sanction. It is understood several officials, including Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu, wrote references in support of Grant, describing her behaviour as out of character.

While she is known as a fiery and competitive player, Grant has never had any previous run-ins with match officials. Had she not had such an exemplary record over her 10-year career, it is likely she would have been banned given her conduct was at the more serious end of the scale.

Grant was seen on the television coverage angrily remonstrating with umpire Jono Bredin, who awarded the Steel a penalty shot under the post to draw the game. She had to be ordered away by Netball NZ umpiring manager Colleen Bond.

But it was not just Grant's behaviour then which faced scrutiny from the disciplinary officer.

The hearing addressed allegations Grant used a local newspaper to discredit Bredin. The Dominion Post ran several stories after the game questioning whether Bredin should be in charge of Steel games given he also chairs Dunedin netball. The disciplinary officer ruled there was no evidence to support those allegations.

Grant, who is set to play her 100th ANZ Championship match this weekend against the Thunderbirds in Adelaide, was not available for comment yesterday, but in a statement issued by the Pulse she apologised unreservedly for her actions.

The Pulse and the Steel are fighting for the one remaining spot in the NZ conference finals this weekend.

The Magic have re-signed Australian coach Julie Fitzgerald for another season.