Shakeup could be exciting for Steel

OPINION: Trans-Tasman rivalry is set to re-ignite with the third season of the ANZ Championship beginning this weekend.

This year brings significant player movement and some changes to the rules, which I hope will excite us with competitive, challenging, skilful netball.

The Mystics, the big movers, have recruited three Silver Ferns – Larrissa Wilcox, Joline Henry and Maria Tutaia – plus Jamaican Althea Byfield, and have former Steel captain Jenny-May Coffin making a comeback. With the introduction of eight new players to the franchise, the team dynamics will play a big part on the success or failure of the team.

Magic have lost three Silver Ferns but have recruited well, with Jodi Brown and former Australian and World 7 wing defence Peta Scholz bolstering a strong defence end. Having played both with and against, her she is tough competitor.

Pulse are destined to improve on their one win last year, adding five new players to their roster, including former Australian shooter Jane Altschwager, who captains the team, English defender Ama Agbeze and the highly competitive Katrina Grant.

The Tactix having made six changes. Although they have lost their most experienced campaigner, they have gained former Sting defender Anna Galvan and talented Southland youngsters Hayley Crofts and Ashleigh Smith.

Steel have lost three key players who were the glue of the Steel and Sting eras. Gaining Leana de Bruin and Jade Topia brings variety, as do promising local girls Hayley Saunders and Emma Moynihan.

Australian teams have also introduced several younger players, many coming from the Australian Institute of Sport.

The big names making moves are Sonia Mkoloma, moving to the Sydney Swifts, and Natalie Medhurst, leaving the Thunderbirds to join the Firebirds, a move that could make the Firebirds very dangerous.

Exciting rule changes include a countdown clock that will show the final 60 seconds of every quarter, and coaching will be permitted from the sidelines during stoppages.

The one change that has not been made is having teams playing each other twice. That is a change I think is needed for a fair and serious competition.

- © Fairfax NZ News