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Anna Thompson of the Tactix - Source: Photosport
2010 ANZ Championship Netball Preview
Canterbury Tactix
2010 Squad: Maree Bowden, Hayley Crofts, Phillipa Finch, Anna Galvan, Ellen Halpenny, Charlotte Knight, Chelsea Pitman, Hannah Poff, Ashleigh Smith, Victoria Smith, Peta Stephens and Anna Thompson
Recruits: Peta Stephens (Firebirds), Anna Galvan, Ashleigh Smith (NZ Under 21), Hayley Crofts (Pulse), Chelsea Pitman, Hannah Poff (NZ Under 21)
Losses: Jodi Brown (Magic), Angela Mitchell (retired), Sonia Mkoloma (Swifts), Julie Seymour (retired), Kahurangi Waititi (Magic), Larissa Wilcox (Magic)
Key players: The recruitment of ex-Queensland Firebirds captain Peta Stephens is a huge coup for the Southern franchise and will add some real steel to the defence. Maree Bowden takes over the captaincy from the retired Julie Seymour and the Silver Fern midcourter will be crucial to the battle plan for the Tactix.
History: Finished a disappointing 8th in the inaugural season of the ANZ Championship and improved two places to 6th in a stronger showing last year. While they finished just out of the playoffs in 6th place and victories over the Firebirds and Mystics along with close losses to the Magic and Thunderbirds marked a season of progress.
Coach: Helen Mahon Stroud
What happened in 2009?
They finished just out of the playoffs in 6th place with a five-win, eight loss record. Two of those victories were over the Pulse but triumphs over the Mystics, Fever and and Firebird were hard-earned. There were close losses to the Magic, Thunderbirds and Steel. Didn't come even close to winning across the Tasman.
What are the prospects for 2010?
The Tactix have retained half their squad from last season and recruited with the half dozen new players bringing different elements to the squad. While the retirement of veteran Julie Seymour is a loss, it will offer Maree Bowden the chance to stamp her mark on the team.
Peta Stephens will add a hard edge to the defence while New Zealand under-21 recruits Ashleigh Smith and Hannah Poff bring youthful enthusiasm to the side.
Hard to see them making the top four but should continue their steady improvement. Finished as the third best New Zealand franchise and will look to go one better in 2010.
The big question: How will the Tactix cope with the loss of Sonia Mkoloma and the absence of Julie Seymour?
