WITH the ANZ Premiership season just around the corner, we take a look at each teams chances heading into the year and a key player to keep an eye on. The next instalment is the Mainland Taxtic.

Coach: Julie Seymour
Captain: Jane Watson
2019 finish: 5th

Last year was not the Tactix’s year with the side unable to build any momentum and place pressure on the top echelon of teams. Despite moments of competitiveness, the Tactix only managed five wins and clocked up 10 losses. They struggled to generate any real scoring power and were missing that edge defensively but they will be hoping that all changes this season with some key recruits welcomed into the side and the return of a couple injured stars.

2020 predictions/expectations:

The Tactix have well and truly bolstered their line-up over the off-season with former Southern Steel goaler Te Paea Selby-Rickit joining the ranks. Selby-Rickit will add a wealth of depth down in the attacking circle with her precise movement and accuracy to post. Her combination with Ellie Bird will be one to watch with Bird able to hold strong in the circle and use her height to command the ball. Defensively the Tactix have one of the most exciting and damaging defensive duos with Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson. The two are renowned for their ability to hunt the ball and create turnovers and with Fakahokotau returning from injury expect big things given her physical nature. Through the midcourt Kimiora Poi has taken her game to another level with the speedy centre able to use her give and go around the circle edge to do damage while her vision into the circle is highly impressive. Samon Nathan is also a handy option through the midcourt with her defensive pressure while Erikana Pederson is set to make her long awaited return after suffering a season ending injury last year helping to further enhance their midcourt stocks.

Key player/pick up: Jane Watson

The Silver Ferns defender and Tactix captain is a wall in defence with her ability to confuse the space and simply swat balls away. Her timing is impeccable while her long reach disrupts the flow of opposition attack ends. She is deceptively quick on her feet able to get hands to ball and propel the ball back down the court. Watson can sense the moment and have an impact while she can also switch between goal keeper and goal defence seamlessly thanks to her high netball IQ and endurance.

Team list:

Ellie Bird
Charlotte Elley
Temalisi Fakahokotau
Sophia Fenwick
Samon Nathan
Erikana Pedersen
Kimiora Poi
Jess Prosser
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Jane Watson