Shooters a fragile force for new-look Tactix

OPINION: No-one is denying the challenge ahead of the Tactix when the third edition of the trans-Tasman netball league begins.

Many are already writing off the Christchurch-based side for next year's ANZ Championship – well before the opening whistle in March.

Tactix management are keen to put a positive spin on the 2010 season, one they have already dedicated to `rebuilding' after the loss of some key players.

Inspirational midcourter Julie Seymour has retired but her presence with the team – next year as assistant coach – will still be influential.

Shooter Jodi Brown has remained at her Dunedin base but will commute to Waikato instead next year to join up with Silver Ferns goal shoot Irene van Dyk in the Magic shooting circle while defender Larrissa Willcox is also northern bound for the Mystics stable.

The Tactix have recruited well on defence with former Queensland Firebirds defender Peta Stephens a key signing to join young Silver Fern Charlotte Kight.

A return to the elite level from Anna Galvan is another important inclusion to the 12-strong squad and her ability to move from the defensive circle to the wing, coupled with her experience, will add some steel to the Tactix defence.

The midcourt is a mix of seasoned campaigners in Maree Bowden and Phillipa Finch as well as newcomers Hayley Crofts (Central Pulse 2008) and youngster Hannah Poff who was also confirmed this week.

It will be a big season for Bowden who has played in Seymour's shadow in recent years.

Now is her chance to take on the extra responsibility of leadership on attack and stamp her own mark on the team.

For a player who oozes passion for the game, Bowden may well blossom under the new-look side.

Her combination with Finch – who played at centre at times last season – is already established and will need to take another step up in what will be a youthful attack end.

It is the shooting circle which will come under most scrutiny.

Four players under the age of 23 – two of them still in their teens – equate to some serious challenges against some of the best defenders in the game.

On paper there is promise.

But then the eyes skim over the other franchise lineups and the daunting task ahead for the Tactix becomes obvious.

There has been some movement in teams across the ditch although the reigning champions Melbourne Vixens remain largely unchanged.

The NSW Swifts look to have made the biggest gain in the off-season with the inclusion of former Tactix defender and English star Sonia Mkoloma while the Firebirds have also picked up Australian goal attack Natalie Medhurst.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have gone for height in their shooting circle with Jamaican Carla Borrego (1.92m) joining their ranks.

On this side of the Tasman the Mystics have had the best off-season with Willcox, Maria Tutaia, Joline Henry and Althea Byfield all suiting up for them next year while the Magic's signing of former Australian defender Peta Scholz is also a smart move.

The Southern Steel may have lost some of their sting with Adine Wilson, Donna Wilkins and Katrina Grant missing but they remain a threat with Megan Dehn and Leana de Bruin heading south.

Meanwhile, the Pulse made some interesting choices with their imports including Jane Altschwager and Ama Agbeze – both bench players for their side last season. It all adds up to some reshuffling on the championship table and if the pundits are correct, a slide south for the Tactix.

  TeamsB9