Underdog Mystics show talented lineup

CHRIS SKELTON/Sunday Star-Times

MYSTIC ATTACK: Silver Ferns goal attack Maria Tutaia is one of the Northern Mystics' major off-season signings.

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The Northern Mystics have recruited wisely during the off season and look set to be the big Kiwi improvers in next year's trans-Tasman netball competition.

Next season's full ANZ Championship squads were announced yesterday, with the under-achieving Auckland-based Mystics franchise airing a talent-laden roster.

The Mystics have easily been the most active New Zealand side in the off season, with only four members of this year's squad returning. One of their most prized scalps is Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia, who has been lured up the highway from Magic. Tutaia should form an exciting combination in the attacking end with Cathrine Latu – who excelled for the World 7 and was named player of the tournament at the national provincial championships with her title-winning Auckland Waitakere side.

At the back end of the court, they look particularly potent too, with Jamaican international Althea Byfield and Silver Fern Joline Henry likely to team up in the defensive circle and the resolute Larrissa Willcox at wing defence. Inaugural Southern Steel captain Jenny-May Coffin will step back on to the court after a year away and her experience will also be a big asset for Mystics.

Despite losing Tutaia and Henry to Mystics, Magic have managed to retain the nucleus of this year's squad. Their fortunes will again rely heavily on their three star New Zealand internationals in Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman and Casey Williams. Former Silver Fern Jodi Brown should be a great fit in Magic's shooting circle alongside van Dyk, while the signing of former Australian midcourter Peta Scholz was another smart move.

Central Pulse have been the laughing stock of the league in the first two seasons of the ANZ Championship, but will have a much-more respectable look to their roster next year. They should be far more formidable on the defensive end this season with Silver Fern defender Katrina Grant and English international Ama Agbeze forming a new combination at the back end of the court. Lanky Australian shooter Jane Altschwager should also link up nicely with young Silver Fern goal attack Paula Griffin at the opposite end of the floor.

Canterbury Tactix could be in for a long season with the red-and-blacks lacking a genuine star in their squad. They have a good group of exciting youngsters, though, and clearly look to be building for the future. Tactix will have a real Southland flavournext season, with home-grown talents Hayley Crofts and Ashleigh Smith in their ranks.

Steel have retained the core of last season's squad that made the ANZ Championship playoffs for the first time. Leana de Bruin is a good replacement for the departing Katrina Grant and will add plenty of height at the goal keep position. De Bruin will team up with either Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit or veteran Silver Fern defender Sheryl Scanlan at goal defence. In the midcourt, Steel are blessed with Silver Fern players Wendy Telfer and Liana Barrett-Chase, with Megan Dehn a possibility to drop back to wing attack to allow Barrett-Chase to play centre and Telfer wing defence.

Steel have plenty of options in the shooting circle next season with Daneka Wipiiti, who will be returning after the birth of her first child, Mystics recruit Jade Topia and the promising Julianna Naoupu.

- © Fairfax NZ News