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 Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic are the next team in line.

Coach: Amigene Metcalf
Captain: Sam Winders
2019 finish: 4th

2019 was an interesting year for Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic with the side falling short of finals but never really looking like a real threat due to their inconsistency. They strung together a couple of strong performances but then dropped winnable games attesting to their unpredictable season but will be hoping to rectify that heading into the season.

2020 predictions/expectations:

It will be a trying year for the Magic who have been hit hard over the off-season with superstar Casey Kopua retiring and Kelly Jury leaving the club. But one door closing allows another one to open with Erena Mikaere making her way over from the Mystics. The addition of Holly Fowler in the defence end will add further depth to the line-up but they ultimately lack experience across all areas of the court. Through the midcourt newbie Ariana Cable-Dixon will be looking to assert herself and really cement her spot in the line-up. She can swap between wing attack and centre with ease making her a good option with the likes of Sam Winders (nee Sinclair) more a defensive minded midcourter. Whitney Souness has come along in leaps and bounds with the midcourter able to exploit every tiny bit of space and use her ball speed to evade defenders and deliver into the shooters. Goaler Abigail Latu-Meafou struggled with consistency with the difference between her best and worst noticeable an area she will have to work on this season if the Magic are any chance to compete with the top teams. Her connection with Kelsey McPhee will be crucial to the Magic’s success this season given just how explosive McPhee can be under the post if provided with enough opportunities.

Key player/pick up: Erena Mikaere

Mikaere is an excitement machine with her physical style of play, quick feet and leap to get tips. The talented defender has proven that she is a real barometer for sides with teammates feeding off her energy and returning serve ultimately upping their ante to match her output. Although she is costly at times when it comes to penalties her tenacious game play, transition through court and constant pressure sets her apart from other defenders. She can switch between goal keeper and goal defence with ease while her ability to shake up her game play from a holding to moving defender is one of her key attributes.

Team list:

Ariana Cable-Dixon
Monica Falkner
Holly Fowler
Abigail Latu-Meafou
Kelsey McPhee
Georgia Marshall
Erena Mikaere
Jenna O’Sullivan
Samantha Winders
Whitney Souness
Georgia Tong