Magic Team List 2014 ANZC

The 2014 Magic squad has been finalized for the ANZ Championship with a number of major personal changes. 

Laura Langman and Irene Van Dyk have both chosen to leave the organization after the departure of long time coach Noeline Taurua, big shoes to fill for the incumbent girls.

Magic Squad

Casey Kopua (Capt) - resigned

Leana De Bruin - resigned

Jo Harten - international import signed from Canterbury Tactix

Courtney Tairi - signed from Southern Steel

Ellen Halpenny - resigned

Grace Rasmussen - signed from Northern Mystics

Malia Paseka - signed from Northern Mystics

Jamie-Lee Price - resigned

Jo Tripp - signed from Canterbury Tactix

Brooke Leaver - new contract

Samantha Sinclair - new contract

Bessie Manu - signed from Canterbury Tactix

Katherine Coffin - new contract

The Magic have had probably one of the largest turnovers out of the 10 franchises for the 2014 season and it will be hard to predict how things could go for the Waikato team.

The big gain of Jo Harten in the goal circle is a pretty good gain after the loss of IVD and there is already a combination with Ellen Halpenny from her first season at the Tactix in 2012. 

I'am most excited to see Malia Paseka get some further court time after an impressive showing at the recent WYNC in Scotland where she played a pivotal role in securing the title win for our U21 girls.

Ex NSW Swifts head coach, Julie Fitzgerald has been chosen as Noeline's replacement and a close eye will be paid to how she adapts to the NZ style from a coaching point of view. She links up with Courtney Tairi again after her early time spent in the NSW netball system and an time with the Swifts at the beginning of her professional career.

Missing out from last year's squad is Jess Tuki and Jess Waitapu who have both not been picked up by the Magic or another NZ franchise for the 2014 season. I was impressed with Waitapu in her limited court time this season and was looking forward to seeing more of her.

What do you think of the team named?