Netball: Griffin to replace pregnant Kopua

Goal shoot/attack Paula Griffin has joined the Magic. Photo / Getty Images

Paula Griffin is joining the Cold Power Magic squad for the upcoming ANZ Championship as a replacement for Casey Kopua who announced her pregnancy late last year.

The goal shoot/attack has played 74 ANZ Championship games, including two stints with Mystics and Pulse, and a season with the Steel.

Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald says that being able to add a player with such proven ability so close to the ANZ Championship season, is a real plus for her relatively young squad.

"Paula has been playing ANZ Championship netball since it began in 2008 and has also worn the Silver Ferns dress a number of times, so that experience is really valuable for us," Fitzgerald said.

"We're still a young team overall and you need a balance of youth and experience, and Paula helps give us that balance.

"While we haven't replaced like with like in terms of position, bolstering our shooting stocks can be very important as we saw last year when Jo (Harten) was injured."

Griffin says she's delighted to be joining the Magic.

"The Magic have a proud history and winning culture which I'm really looking forward to being a part of," she said.

"Although getting on court will be a challenge given the quality of shooters in the team, I'm going to push as hard as I possibly can for my opportunity and to help the Magic keep building."

Griffin will travel with the team to Napier for the Magic's second preseason game against the Central Pulse today.