Coach Robyn Broughton and durable wing attack Liana Leota will register their 50th ANZ Championship matches.
Broughton, of course, led the Sting to seven titles in 10 years and is widely regarded as one of the shrewdest coaches in world netball. Her ability to get the best out of her charges and identify talent has been a key to her longevity.
And, remarkably, Leota has played in every game since the Steel's inaugural game against the New South Wales Swifts in Sydney in April 2008.
"I'm very excited about 50, but 100 would be nice too," Leota said yesterday.
Netball is a physically demanding game, particularly on the joints. It is reasonably common to see athletes hobbling around with ankles and knees strapped heavily. Leota is not immune from injury but seems to time it between seasons.
"We've had great trainers over the years ... so I've been very fortunate. I just love being out there and love playing netball," she said.
The news is not good, though, for Vixens goal attack Sharelle McMahon. The Australian captain will have surgery to repair the Achilles tendon which she ruptured during the Vixens' match against the Queensland Firebirds last Thursday night.
The injury is likely to spell an end to the 33-year-old's successful career. McMahon made 118 appearances for her country over 14 years and it is a huge blow for Australia's defence of its world title in Singapore in July.
Her absence will undoubtedly have a big impact on the Vixens' prospects as well.
Leota said her heart went out to McMahon.
"It is very disappointing for her. As an elite athlete, she is so inspirational for the Vixens and for the Australian team," she said, adding the Vixens would be hurting and probably more determined than ever to play well.
The Steel has made 10 trips across the Tasman and is yet to register a win in Australia. But if ever there is a time to open the account, it is now.
The disappointing 49-44 loss to the Canterbury Tactix has left the Steel's playoff prospects hanging by a very thin thread.
One more loss and it will unravel.
However, if the combined Otago-Southland team can find a way to win, it will return to New Zealand for a run of four home matches.
On its home court, the Steel is a much more formidable opponent with an impressive record of 17 wins and four losses.
The Steel beat the Vixens 52-39 in Dunedin in the teams' last encounter and leads the head-to-heads 2-1.
The match will also be interesting for centre Natasha Chokljat, who left the Vixens to join the Steel this season.
