Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic defender Jodi Tod has ruled herself out of next year's ANZ Championship netball season.
Tod has been with the Magic since the inception of the trans-Tasman competition in 2008 following five years in the fore-runner National Bank Cup playing for the Canterbury Flames and Flyers. Shealso had an off-season stint in the UK league.
Due to marry in January in the middle of pre-season training, the 30-year-old, who has a daughter, Emerson, 12, said she felt personal issues deserved to take precedence.
"I don't want to call it retirement because you never know what's going to happen and, at this stage, I'm just having some time out, some family time and some me time," Tod said.
Tod's versatility in being able to play all three defensive positions made her a valuable asset.
More recently, at goal defence she shared the in-circle defensive duties with Casey Williams. A strong work ethic, exceptional skills in the close quarters and the ability to snaffle the low ball were hallmarks of Tod's hard-working style, the perfect foil to Williams' aerial prowess.
"I have loved every season and no doubt I will be at every home game watching the girls next year and still have some involvement in some way," she said.
A personal highlight for Tod was making it through to last year's grand final against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. On the way, Magic played their match of the season to eliminate the NSW Swifts in the Preliminary Final before stumbling in the final.
"That Swifts game would have been one of our best games," she said.
"It was such an up and down season for us as a team but when it counted we really pulled together and got through to those semifinals and finals spots."
Tod will continue to play regional netball for Bay of Plenty, who will compete in Division 1 of First Grade for the first time at the national championships.
