THERE is no shortage of players to choose from when it comes to filling out the roster for Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, who are yet to release their frontline for next season. It is expected that the Pulse will once again sign on dynamic duo and two-time premiers Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio given their recent success, however speculation can be made surrounding the Magic given their somewhat struggling frontend. Kelsey McPhee found form late in the season while youngster Khiarna Williams proved to be a revelation with her deceptive strength, versatility and accuracy to post and Abigail Latu-Meafou was strong in patches. Overall though, the Magic struggled to put up a convincing tally week in week out, to worry opposition teams and subsequently saw them languish at the bottom of the ladder. Looking ahead into the 2021 season Draft Central takes a look at a couple of experienced options to fill the void in the 2021 season.

Caitlin Bassett:
There has been plenty of talk in recent weeks regarding the possibility of Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett joining the ANZ Premiership given her limited court time throughout the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season with the GIANTS. It would be a huge coup for the Magic if they managed to swindle her services given her firepower and sheer dominance at the post. Bassett is renowned for her accuracy, strength on the rebound, commanding nature under the post and most importantly her high volume of shots. The goal shooter is never out of the contest, relying on her footwork to constantly switch up the angles and allow her to reel in passes while her height enables her to pick balls out of mid-air. Bassett is the epitome of class and offers a fountain of knowledge, something youngsters like Williams or Latu-Meafou would relish when it comes to developing their craft out the front. That being said, this could be an unlikely prospect, as Bassett is contracted to the GIANTS for season 2021, although anything is possible.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio:
Although it is expected that Ekenasio will once again pull on the yellow dress for the Pulse and led her team as she has in the past couple of seasons, her inclusion into the Magic line-up could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Her composure, netball nous and goal sense is undeniable. She is capable of doing the unthinkable and would offer a wealth of experience to the frontline. Ekenasio can double both as a playmaker and a holding shooter such is her versatility while her long range shooting is also an impressive feature of her game. With the Magic boasting a new but experienced midcourt with Grace Kara joining the fold and captain Sam Winders back for another season, Ekenasio’s inclusion could add plenty to their attack. The current Silver Ferns captain oozes nothing but class and has proven that she can single-handedly change the course of a game with her accuracy and volume to post.

Ine-Mari Venter:
Spending the past couple of seasons with the Melbourne Vixens and Queensland Firebirds, Ine-Mari Venter could be a solid options for the Magic in season 2021. Although she has not gotten a lot of court time there is no denying that the South African has added versatility to her game plan since joining the Super Netball, able to play out in goal attack and goal shooter. Venter is a cool, calm and composed customer who is not often flustered. Still relatively young, she has plenty of international experience and is no stranger to the big stage making her a great option for the Magic next season. Her ability to hold under the post is key while her strength on the rebound is another focal point of her game. Her high release allows her to avoid defenders’ leans over the shot while her footwork to edge closer to the post makes her a commanding figure in the goal circle.

Sigi Burger:
Much like Bassett, Sigi Burger is contracted to the London Pulse in 2021 and it could be a long shot, but the acquisition of the goal shooter could be huge for the Magic. Burger is an exciting prospect that has completely changed the Pulse outfit with her accuracy to post, volume and sheer dominance at the post. Often flying under the radar with the SPAR Proteas, Burger is no slouch thanks to her height and fancy footwork. Although not the most versatile shooter, her composure under pressure and overall netball smarts to receive the ball in damaging positions under the post is what makes her such an influential player. Standing at 190cm, the South African provides that long release option under the post with her aerial ability unmatched by many and strong hands an obvious feature of how she attacks the game.