Tactix season in a nut shell - ANZC 13

Another year, another disappointing season for the Canterbury Tactix, however for the first time since 2009 they did not finish with the wooden spoon, but still only managed two wins for the regular season.

Continuing on with 2 imports due to the 2010 + 2011 earthquakes the Tactix signed Jade Clarke to compliment fellow English international Jo Harten in the attack end. Overall Jade was a fantastic signing and really gave the midcourt some much needed direction after the shoes of Maree Bowden were left to fill. As the season progressed the combination between Harten and Clarke really started to hit its straps with some fantastic feeding a real highlight for the team.

After signing Juliana Naoupu from the Magic, many believed it would be a fantastic compliment to Harten in the goal circle. However her season was quite disjointed after off season knee surgery, robbed her of game time for the majority of the season. In stepped young 20 year old Sophia Fenwick, a former Tactix development player and Southern Steel squad member.

Sophia made a big impression on the competition and started to work towards a strong combination with Harten. With any inexperienced and youthful player, inconsistency's are a strong probability. Fenwick's shooting percentage was not what she would have liked to achieve (68%) but many will be looking to see how she builds on this years court time. The amount of turnovers would also be a concern for both player and coach but certainly things to work on for the future. As a member of the New Zealand World Youth Cup team for later in the year she is a star for the future. 

With the signing window not yet open to the franchise coaches, speculation is growing towards which marquee signing the Tactix can pick up for season 2014. There is growing concern regarding the Tactix and their "easy beat" status and real steps need to be taken to ensure the franchise moves forward, building on their 6 wins from 52 games since the competition's inception. 

The biggest concern would be goal percentage. At the end of the regular season the Tactix sat 2nd overall for the number of goal attempts, yet had the lowest team percentage at 77%. 

Another big talking point for the season was the young Tactix defensive end of Jane Watson, Zoe Walker and Kirsten Hurley. All three played some fantastic netball and gave some of the experienced and tall timbers of the competition a real run for their money. The possibility of a marquee defender for next season would be a real addition to the team, the lack of experience and leadership was a factor during the season but one can only dream of the improvements the girls could make with a player such as Casey Kopua joining the ranks.

All eyes will be on the signings for next season, as well as the decision around the Tactix once again being allowed a second import to fill the team roster. It will be vital for the organisation going forward that the Tactix can improve their win to loss ratio as it will be impacting on sponsorship and revenue going forward.

Lets hope 2014 is the season of the Tactix as they push for a higher finish in the competition.

Statistics

Jo Harten: 1/10 for turnovers, 2/10 for rebounds, 84.4% goal percentage

Anna Thompson: 9/10 for goal assits, 5/10 for centre pass recieves

Jane Watson: 6/10 for deflections

Sophia Fenwick: 3/10 for turnovers, 68% goal percentage