Silver Ferns goal attack Amelrianne Ekenasio wore a contented grin, as she reflected on her team's razor-close win over Australia in the Constellation Cup opener on Sunday - and rightly so
The 28-year-old was one of the standouts for the world champions in the 53-52 win in Christchurch - the first time in four years that the Ferns had recorded consecutive wins over their trans-Tasman rivals.
And for someone who grew up playing her netball on the other side of the ditch and representing Australia at age-group level, before being overlooked for selection to the national squad, there's always an added sense of satisfaction in getting one over the Diamonds.
"It is a little extra special to be here, playing for the Ferns and to be beating them too," Ekenasio told Newshub.
"But this just feels like home, so it doesn't feel like I'm throwing anything back in their faces. I feel like I've just come into my own here and come to where I feel like I should be standing."
Ekenasio was a key cog in New Zealand's comeback win at Horncastle Arena. She nailed a staggering 29 of her 31 attempts on goal to help the Ferns erase a five-goal deficit and continued her upward surge in form that began at July's World Cup in England.
Much of that credit belongs to coach Noeline Taurua and the environment she's created, says Ekenasio.
"She's just allowed me to be myself and step into my own game here, which is why I feel like it's happened quite naturally, because this is just me.
"The fact that we're all working here for each other is a big one too. It makes me feel like I'm so meant to be here and this is where I belong.
"I do absolutely love our environment, and I think it's brought the best out of me personally and on court."
Her developing combination with linchpin Maria Folau has also had a big impact on the team's success. Ekenasio believes Taurua's decision to balance the load between her and Folau in the shooting circle has opened up attacking options, and made them less predictable.
"It's a different way that we play now and you can see it on the court - the circle opens up differently. I think it's quite good, because it catches some people off guard.
"You can never pick who's going to be the shooter on the day.
"At different times of the game, we can take the pressure off each other. When we both work to our individual strengths, then collectively we're so much better.
"I feel like we're coming into a really successful time together."
Now the challenge lies in stretching their streak against Australia to three in a row - a feat that hasn't been achieved since 2006 - then setting their sights another milestone - their first Constellation Cup series victory since 2013.
"That would be pretty awesome," admitted Ekenasio. "It would really feel like what we're doing now with our team, our culture and Noeline [Taurua] really means something."
The second test will be played at Auckland's Spark Arena on Wednesday, before they head over to Australia for the final two matches.
Join us for live updates of NZ v Australia from 7:30pn Wednesday
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