WITH some promising new faces and a solid core of old hands, the Northern Mystics head into their third ANZ Premiership season with plenty to get excited about.

Having missed finals, finishing fourth last year, the Auckland-based team have a point to prove. While there were good moments throughout their 2018 campaign, the Mystics struggled at times to deliver consistent on court results.

The Mystics have big shoes to fill without the likes of dynamic defender Anna Harrison who retired and long-time shooter Maria Folau who has crossed the Tasman joining forces with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

There is certainly a solid foundation to be built upon, with five players returning for another season in the blue and white. Versatile shooter Bailey Mes brings range and an impressive vertical leap, along with valuable international experience, and has previously combined well with creative midcourter Elisapeta Toeava and former Steel shooter Jamie Hume in the attacking end. Fresh from a Silver Ferns debut last year, young defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson also looks set to continue raising her form over the coming season, her fourth with the Northern Mystics.

Having returned to the Mystics last year after stints with Steel and the Pulse, Phoenix Karaka will take up the mantle of captain for the coming season. An adaptable and experienced defender with a great all-round skillset, Karaka should prove an able replacement for Harrison in the leadership role.

Stepping onto the court alongside these five are a healthy dose of new blood. After four years on the Australian netball scene, Erena Mikaere has a lot to offer the Northern Mystics in 2019. Boasting serious height and reach, the experienced defender should be a real force on the court. Former rugby player, Emma Iversen could also prove to be a key signing for the Mystics. After playing with the Northern Stars, Iversen will be a good addition to the line-up credit to her athleticism and strong attacking play.

Schoolgirl turned Mystics player Tayla Earle beats the rest for versatility. Slipping from defence to midcourt more comfortably than her age might suggest Earle can play in a host of positions ranging from goal defence to wing attack. The New Zealand Secondary School Player of the Year will happily benefit from the wealth of experience that the Mystics have.

Suncorp Super Netball’s Kristina Brice has made the journey across the ditch signing on as an import for the Northern Mystics. Standing at 196cm, she towers above her teammates dominating in the goal circle credit to her height, strong holds and good positioning under the ring.

A fully-contracted Grace Kukutai takes the last place in this Mystics roster off the back of an impressive season in the training partner ranks. With a great work rate, the youngster still has plenty of development left in her and could turn out to be a real star of the future.

With only days to go until the opening round of the ANZ Premiership, the Northern Mystics are set for an explosive start to their season.