A MONTH out from the ANZ Premiership season and the Ōtaki preseason tournament is set to get underway this weekend with the teams preparing for another action packed year. There are a number of fresh faces joining the league with a mix of experience and youth set to take centre stage as they look to iron out any kinks.

Northern Mystics: Ama Agbeze

A star signing in Ama Agbeze is set to take centre stage for the Northern Mystics and will be given her first opportunity to shine in the preseason tournament. The highly experienced and talented defender is not opposed to a bit of niggle under the post and is incredibly strong, able to fend off her opponent and claim prime position. She is a real warrior down back and boasts a wealth of versatility to swing between goal keeper, goal defence and wing defence such is her skillset and nous. It has been a while since Agbeze has made an appearance at an elite level making this hitout all the more exciting to see not only how she partners with her new side. but so too how she matches up against the rest of the competition.

Northern Stars: Monica Falkner

Returning from injury and getting some valuable minutes in the black dress with the New Zealand Silver Ferns, Monica Falkner was a key cog missing from the Northern Stars line-up last season and will be eager to prove her worth in the side. With deceptive speed and impressive accuracy, Falkner is an exciting option that will join the fold. Although it is only a preseason tournament expect Falkner to ply her trade out in goal attack and utilise her vision and movement to penetrate through the defensive units and impose herself in the circle. She has a good mix of speed and strength meaning she is able to consistently shakeup her game play and change the course of the game.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic: Caitlin Bassett

Australian Caitlin Bassett is arguably one of the biggest coups in ANZ Premiership history and the star goal shooter will be eager to assert herself on the competition quickly. A regular in the Australian Diamonds, Bassett brings a wealth of excitement and stability to the Magic line-up given her netball nous and accuracy to post. Oozing wisdom and timing Bassett can turn the tables in an instant such is her firepower and speed in which she can score. Walking into a new side is never easy, but the veteran is not just any ordinary goaler and this will be her first opportunity to leave a lasting impact and send a warning shot to the rest of the competition.

Central Pulse: Paris Lokotui

Young defender, Paris Lokotui is a promising prospect who boasts plenty of excitement and raw talent. In her debut ANZ Premiership season, Lokotui will be aiming to use her signature flair and talent to insert herself into the action and make a name for herself. Coming into a new-look defensive unit, Lokotui has a wealth of versatility that will enable her to rotate through wing defence and centre while also possessing the skillset to ply her trade in at goal defence which will be a huge bonus. Still a developing player, the defender can use her long arms and quick footwork to read the flight of the ball and cherry pick passes, while she can also flick the switch to transition into attack in a hearbeat.

Mainland Tactix: Kimiora Poi 

There is no denying that Kimiora Poi well and truly made a name for herself throughout the recent Constellation Cup, with the centre injecting speed and dynamism into the attack end – something she will be hoping to replicate for the Tactix again this season. Her ability to zip across the court and impress with her fast movement and quick hands make all the difference. Poi is incredibly nimble and can read the play exceptionally well, sensing when to release the ball from beyond circle edge or work the ball closer to ensure greater accuracy on the feed. She grew with confidence throughout the 2020 season, playing with more freedom as time went on and showcased her give and go around circle edge to slice up defensive forays.

Southern Steel: George Fisher

In what could be her first appearance in the ANZ Premiership, England Roses goaler George Fisher is a huge asset for the Steel. The towering goal shooter is a rock under the post that can use her timing and strong holds to command the ball time and time again and most importantly is accurate to post. She is a cool, calm and collected customer who is not often overwhelmed by the physical nature of the game and instead rises to the challenge time and time again. All eyes will turn on her ability to connect with her fellow goalers and the Steel’s ability to transition the ball down court with any form of fluidity.