ANZ Premiership: Mainland Tactix Preview
AFTER finishing in third position last season the Mainland Tactix will look to go one better and really push for a finals position. They won seven games for the season, losing to ladder leaders Central Pulse and eventual premiers Southern Steel, but all in all they had a solid season.
The team is filled with plenty of young up and coming players with the likes of Silver Ferns player, Jane Watson leading the way in goal keeper. The Former Southern Steel defender swapped dresses after spending three years with the Steel and will be a great asset down back for the Tactix thanks to her impressive leap and general athleticism. Watson will be paired with the explosive Temalisi Fakahokotau who is renowned for her aggressive hunt on the ball, quick feet and defensive pressure.
At 21 years of age, Kimiora Poi will prove to be an excitement machine for the Tactix who were at times missing that dynamic movement through the midcourt. Her explosive speed, quick feeds into the circle and poise is a real feature of her game. The wing attack will play a pivotal role in assisting the goalers, Brooke Leaver and the ever-reliable Kate Beveridge. Australian-born shooter Beveridge has plenty of experience, and her long bombs, baseline drives and good timing will be essential in setting up the attacking pressure for the Tactix. Young gun Ellie Bird will also be an asset in the shooting circle for the Tactix. Standing at 194cm the goal shooter offers great strength under the ring and an easy outlet pass making her presence felt in the attacking end.
After coming into the side in 2018 as injury replacement players the likes of Sophia Fenwick and Lily Marshall have secured their spots in the 2019 squad and will provide plenty of excitement, energy and youth in the side. Fenwick and Marshall will have plenty to learn in the defensive end with both Watson and Fakahokotau leading the charge down back.
Given their impressive performance last year, the Tactix will hope to bring the same intensity and make an even bigger play for the premiership in season 2019.
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