The Steel had the difficult task of balancing the books while remaining competitive this year.
Something had to give and it did. The Steel crashed to 10 consecutive losses and narrowly avoided the wooden spoon.
But the bigger picture is rosier.
Earlier this year, Southern TeamCo chairwoman Janet Copeland described the franchise's financial position as "grim" but Steel chief executive David Bannister was happy to report an improved situation.
The franchise is expected to record a profit for the financial period.
"We are definitely expecting an improved result from what we've seen in the last few years," Bannister told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"Importantly, everyone at all levels of the franchise has been extremely committed to improving our financial position.
"It wasn't an easy thing to do, but we've done what we needed to do."
Balancing the books and winning netball matches are often competing agendas.
The Steel cut its cloth to meet its financial goals and player payments was an area where significant savings were made.
Good players demand good salaries and the Steel's budget simply did not stretch to the likes of an Irene van Dyk or a Geva Mentor.
The combined Otago-Southland team had little option but to make do with local players and build for the future.
Poor results were the lesser of two evils as far as Bannister was concerned.
"It is a fine balancing act," he said.
"But we have a responsibility to the greater netball community to insure that the Southern Steel does prosper."
As for whether the Steel will continue with the experiment of co-coaches, Bannister was non-committal.
"We are in the process of talking to coaches ... If anyone knows best about it, it is the two ladies involved.
"But from a franchise's point of view we were more than happy with the commitment and effort they gave."
• Magic trio van Dyk, Laura Langman and Casey Williams were named in the ANZ Championship all-star team, along with Mystics goal attack Maria Tutaia, Australian midcourters Julie Corletto and Madison Browne and England defender Geva Mentor.
