Can't go past Magic record this season

BY MARG FOSTER

Waikato BOP Magic

With a consistent and proven record in this competition, in my mind the Magic remain top of the Kiwi pile.

Despite losing Silver Ferns Maria Tutaia and Joline Henry to rivals the Mystics, the Magic have formidable and perhaps even better players in replacements Jodi Brown and Peta Scholz.

Key to the Magic's season is dodging injury, with my only concern an experienced bench roster.

Key players: Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman and Casey Williams.

Prediction: All the way!

Northern Mystics

The Mystics have recruited wonderfully, snaring New Zealand internationals Maria Tutaia and Joline Henry.

Expect to see some accurate shooting from Tutaia and forward partner Cathrine Latu, though I'm concerned by a weak-looking defence, with Henry the only real quality on paper.

I like the diversity in this team and if they can fire collectively they'll be amazing, with the potential to win every game.

My concern is consistency.

Key players: Temepara George, Maria Tutaia, Cathrine Latu and Joline Henry.

Prediction: Should be top four.

Southern Steel

Another team who have recruited well, with experience and good cover in all areas. They went well last season and will be looking to improve but, with a couple of new mothers in Leana de Bruin and Daneka Wipiiti, their season could go either way.

With the group they've got it's time to produce. Megan Dehn is the glue of this team.

Key players: Liana Barrett-Chase, Megan Dehn and Leana de Bruin.

Prediction: Top four definitely, maybe even further.

Canterbury Tactix

They have lost star players from each area of the court – Sonia Mkoloma on the defensive end, Jodi Brown from the shooting circle and Julie Seymour in the mid-court.

That's going to be a real disadvantage for this group.

In their favour, the girls get on really well off court. That could really work to their advantage, with the players willing to work for each other.

The lack of experienced shooters to complement Anna Thompson is a problem.

Key players: There's no real stars.

Prediction: Mid-table, maybe sixth.

Central Pulse

I'm picking the Pulse as my surprise package this year.

They've pulled in some decent players for once in English defender Ama Agbeze and they've also got shooter Jane Altschwager – she's a former Australia player and it's good to see she's the captain as she'll really bring in a hate-to-lose attitude.

The Pulse have always been a team who've failed to nail it when scores have been close and Altschwager might just be the point of difference.

What they don't have is the habit of winning.

Key players: Jane Altschwager and Ama Agbeze.

Prediction: Eighth.

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