Pulse Preview 2014 ANZC

Touted as potentially one of the best Kiwi teams in this years competition, and after a monster of a season in 2013 just missing out on a finals berth, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the Central Pulse reaching the finals this year and potentially winning the competition.

Pulse Squad
Katrina Grant - resigned
Irene van Dyk - signed from Magic
Katarina Cooper - resigned
Millie Lees - resigned
Joline Henry - resigned
Gemma Hazeldine - signed from Tactix development squad
Paula Griffin - resigned
Liana Leota - resigned
Ama Agbeze - new contract/international import player
Claire Kersten - resigned
Te Huina Reo Selby-Rickit - resigned
Donna Wilkins - resigned
Elias Shadrock - signed from Magic

One of the big signings for the 2014 season is Irene van Dyk returning to Wellington for the first time since she left the franchise in 2002 for the Magic. Irene comes into the shooting circle in place of Caitlin Thwaites who was let go after 2 successful years with the franchise, regenerating her time in the Australian Diamonds team at the end of last years international season. 

With the old combination of Donna Wilkins and Irene van Dyk re teaming up in the goal circle many are expecting this could be one of the best shooting combinations in the competition. Last season Wilkins finished with 90.8% accuracy while van Dyk finished on her typically high accuracy of 95%.

With Robyn Broughton being well known amongst netball followers for not using a lot of her bench players throughout a season. Typically once she finds her strongest starting 7 players she doest deviate and with the wealth of experience in a number of positions it will be interesting to see if this continues this year.

The midcourt is particularly strong across all positions. Joline Henry and Millie Lees are expected to still be the preferred option by Broughton but with Katarina Cooper re-joining the Pulse after spending time in the Silver Ferns last year she could well push for further court time. Top it off with talented youngsters Gemma Hazeldine and Elias Shadrock, it will be a real battle to see who can lay claim to a position for the season.

Captain Katrina Grant recently mentioned that the one point extra time loss to the Mystics last season, still continues to haunt her, of course it can probably be the one game that was the difference between the Pulse reaching the finals series and having to settle for 5th place. 

With a favorable start to the season, 2 home games hosting the Thunderbirds and Steel, followed by a quick trip to Auckland to face the Mystics and then back hosting the Tactix, the Pulse this season will know that early wins on the board will be crucial.

Prediction
After last season going agonisingly close to reaching the playoffs, I strongly believe they will go one better in 2014. There is no doubt on paper they are one of the top NZ franchises but with the experience across the court, this will be the year to stand up and deliver before many of the older players will most likely put the netball dress away for good.

What do you think of the Pulse squad for 2014?

Where do you think they will finish on the ladder?