Anna Stanley

New Zealand midcourter who captained the Silver Ferns to the 2003 World Netball Championships title, ending a 16-year world title drought.

Anna Catherine Stanley (née Rowberry) was born on 31 March 1976 in Christchurch, the daughter of former Silver Fern Brenda Rowberry. Remarkably, she had not played senior provincial netball when she was sent straight to her international debut against Jamaica in 1994, becoming known for her exceptional speed and signature 'bullet pass'. Stanley's career hit its lowest point when she was left out of the Silver Ferns for 18 months around 2000-2001, but she was recalled in 2002 and captained New Zealand to victory at the 2003 World Netball Championships in Jamaica, ending a 16-year drought since New Zealand's last world title. She led the Silver Ferns to a series win over Australia in 2004, breaking a drought dating back to 1989, before a knee injury during that series required lengthy rehabilitation. Stanley returned in 2005 and was part of the Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning team in March 2006, before retiring during the 2006 season to focus on her family, finishing with 91 caps. She represented Otago, Canterbury and Auckland provincially and played for Auckland Diamonds in the National Bank Cup. Appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004, she has since worked extensively as a Sky Sport netball commentator and remains an advocate for the sport's future in New Zealand.

Fast, flair-driven midcourter renowned for her signature 'bullet pass' and ability to shift the ball at blistering pace

Remembered for her speed, vision and leadership during one of the Silver Ferns' most celebrated championship wins

• World Netball Championships Gold 2003 (captain)
• Commonwealth Games Gold 2006
• MNZM for services to netball (2004)
• Ends 16-year New Zealand World Championship drought as captain