At a glance

for me and I thought I wanted to be there one day. So this is definitely a dream come true.’’

Peta Toeava, Mila Reuelubuchanan, Kimiora Poi, Sam Winders, and wing defence Michaela Sokolich-beatson were the other names in the midcourt mix for the last two spots to join Gina Crampton and Heffernan.

In the end, the selectors went with Gordon and Souness, with Reuelu-buchanan a travelling reserve and Gordon admits it was an anxious wait to find out if she’d made it in.

‘‘I had no clue, but I think all the midcourters this year had outstanding seasons and it could have gone to anyone,’’ she said.

Silver Ferns’ World Cup squad: Shooters: Grace Nweke, Ameliaranne Ekenasio (c), Maia Wilson, Te Paea Selby-rickit Midcourt: Gina Crampton, Kate Heffernan, Maddy Gordon, Whitney Souness Defenders: Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka Travelling reserves: Tiana Metuarau, Mila Reuelu-buchanan, Sulu Fitzpatrick

‘‘I’m really grateful that I’m one of them, but big ups to everyone else who put their hands up, because they did a great job.’’

Although Gordon will be one of the least experienced players in the squad, she knows there are players in the team she’ll be able to lean on while in South Africa.

‘‘For me, it would be Kelly [Jury]. I’ve played with her for three years now and she’s become one of my good friends,’’ she said.

‘‘But even Ameliaranne [Ekenasio], I think we’ve grown a great connection and friendship from when she was at the Pulse.

‘‘There are definitely a couple I can rely on for support, which is cool.’’

This year’s ANZ Premiership, where the matches came thick and fast, featured plenty of dramatic finishes.

For the Pulse, that started with their 53-52 win over the Magic and continued through to the 53-52 loss to the Stars in the elimination final and Gordon said it was those high pressure games that will stand her and the team in good stead in South Africa.

‘‘I think it was a good competition this year with the really close games,’’ she said.

‘‘It has set us all up pretty well to play in those tight games and to play under pressure.

‘‘We’re going to be heading into some tough training camps leading into it as well, so we’ll definitely be well prepared.’’

‘‘Watching the 2019 World Cup and seeing the girls win, that was another aspect of it for me and I thought I wanted to be there one day. So this is definitely a dream come true.’’ Maddy Gordon