Similar to the Canterbury Tactix in 2013, the Auckland based franchise hit well below pre season expectations and will be out to return to the form we saw in 2012.
Mystics Team
Anna Harrison - resigned (returns after the birth of her first child)
Kayla Cullen - resigned
Maria Tutaia - resigned
Julie Corletto - resigned/international import player
Bailey Mes - resigned
Laura Langman - signed from Magic
Nadia Loveday - signed from Magic
Jodi Tod-Elliott - signed from Magic
Elisapeta Toeava - resigned
Temalisi Fakahokotau - new contract
Erikana Pedersen - resigned
With several Silver Fern players, past and present, as well as an Australian Diamond in the mix it is again expected the team will be pushing for a top 4 spot.
Although Season 2013 can of course be put down to a number of injuries to key players, the team were still upset with how they finished the year.
The big off season recruitment of Silver Fern stalwart Laura Langman to the side is expected to steady the midcourt that proved to be the achilles heel of the side. It will also be interesting to watch how the combination of Langman, Latu and Tutaia continues to grow and progress onto the international stage later in the season.
The return of Anna Harrison after the birth of her first child, with Julie Corletto and Kayla Cullen, the defensive end should be a strength of the side.
Season 2014 start off with a bang for the side with the first 3 games against the Vixens, Magic and Pulse, starting well will be as crucial as ever.
Prediction
As with each of the other sides in the competition 2014 will be a hard one to call until the season officially kicks off but i do think the Mystics will push for a top 6 position on the ladder.
I don't think they will be playing finals netball but i do think they will make a steady improvement on season 2013 and the inclusion of Langman to the midcourt will make an enormous difference to the side.
What do you think of the Mystics side?
Will they improve this season?
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