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Irene Van Dyk - Source: Photosport
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
2010 Squad: Jodi Brown, Amy Christopher, Tanya Lund, Laura Langman, Elias Shadrock, Peta Scholz, Frances Solia, Jodi Tod, Jess Tuki, Irene van Dyk, Kahurangi Waititi, Casey Williams.
Recruits: Jodi Brown (Tactix), Amy Christopher, Peta Scholz(Australia) and Tanya Lund (Australia).
Losses: Maria Tutaia and Joline Henry (joined Northern Mystics)
Key players: The superstar spine of the team remains in place and will be the key to success. Silver Ferns captain Casey Williams will anchor the defence, international teammate Laura Langman will look to dominate the midcourt and Irene Van Dyk is still regarded as one of the premier point scorers in world netball.
History: 2008 - After finishing first as minor premiers (10 wins, three losses) they lost grand final to Sydney Swifts.
2009 - Finished the round robin in second place (11-2 record). Lost preliminary final to eventual champions Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Coach: Noeline Taurua
What happened in 2009?
A rollercoaster season for the Hamilton-based team, which boasted an all-international lineup. They looked almost invincible in round robin play, losing only one of their first thirteen matches. The wheels seemed to come off though with a heavy loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in round 14.
They then lost consecutive playoff matches (vs Melbourne Vixens 58-43 and Adelaide Thunderbirds 51-37) to be dumped out of the competition amid calls for coach Noeline Taurua to resign.
Prospects for 2010?
Only three players remain from the squad that promised so much, and delivered so final disappointment in the 2009 season. Coach Taurua has recruited widely and wisely, grabbing Jodi Brown and Kahurangi Waititi from the Canterbury Tactix and luring Australian veteran Peta Scholz (who starred for the World Seven against the Silver Ferns) out of retirement. They have also attracted Australian Tanya Lund.
The squad looks to have a more balanced look about it after last season perhaps having too many stars. The pride of the Waikato will again be a real contender and if they can improve their form across the Tasman should go close to the championship.
Were unbeaten against fellow New Zealand franchises in 2009 as their three losses all came against teams from across the ditch.
The big question: Has the 37-year-old Irene Van Dyk still got the goods?
