The former Australia netball captain Liz Ellis says criticism by New Zealand sides of the level of physicality in the trans-Tasman netball competition is unfair.
The Silver Ferns and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic shooter Irene van Dyk was critical of the physical nature of the West Coast Fever defenders in their recent match, while Queensland Firebirds captain Laura Geitz was accused of rough play last month following her heavy hit on the Pulse's Donna Wilkins.
Ellis, who retired from international play six years ago, says the physicality is no different to when she was playing.
She says the difference is the players are stronger, fitter and faster, so the hits are a little bit harder.