New Zealander · Auckland, New Zealand · Born 20 August 1992New Zealand defender of Samoan descent whose career fell into two chapters either side of a seven-year absence, later captaining Northern Mystics to their first-ever national title.
Toesulu Mauailegalu Tone Fitzpatrick was born on 20 August 1992 in Auckland, of Samoan descent, and was recruited by Northern Mystics while still a schoolgirl at St Cuthbert's College, making her ANZ Championship debut in 2010. She played a solitary Test for the Silver Ferns at just 19 before becoming a mother to twins, Tevita and Theresa, on Boxing Day 2013. After a seven-year absence from the national team, a strong 2018 season with Central Pulse saw Fitzpatrick recalled to the Silver Ferns, part of the Pulse teams that won the 2018 Netball New Zealand Super Club and the 2019 and 2020 ANZ Premierships. She was appointed Silver Ferns vice-captain in 2021, a role she held through the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where New Zealand won bronze, and finished her international career with 27 caps as a travelling reserve for the 2023 World Cup, her swansong. Fitzpatrick returned to Northern Mystics in 2020 and was named club captain in February 2021, leading the side to its first-ever ANZ Premiership title later that year, the first silverware for an Auckland franchise since 1998. She won the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award as the best netballer in New Zealand for 2021, and was named among the 25 best players to feature in New Zealand netball leagues since 1998. Known for her distinctive malu, a traditional Samoan tattoo honouring her late grandfather, Fitzpatrick has since pursued a master's degree in sociology researching Pacific women in sport.
Captaining Northern Mystics to their first-ever national title in 2021 after a career interrupted by a seven-year absence and motherhood
How They Played
Powerhouse defender capable of covering all three defensive positions, known for astute court awareness and directing play from the back
Lasting Impact
Celebrated as a symbol of resilience in New Zealand netball, returning from a long absence to become a national vice-captain and title-winning club captain
Career Honours
- Commonwealth Games Bronze 2022
- Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award 2021 (best netballer in New Zealand)
- Named among the 25 best New Zealand league players since 1998
- ANZ Premiership title as Northern Mystics captain (2021, the club's first ever)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Mystics | 2010–2010 | — |
| Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | 2011–2012 | — |
| Northern Stars | 2017–2017 | — |
| Central Pulse | 2018–2019 | — |
| Northern Mystics | 2020–2023 | — |
New Zealander Athletes