Mes, Mystics face Stars in Whangarei warm-up

Silver Fern Bailey Mes and her Northern Mystics teammates are heading to Whangarei as part of their preparations for the 2017 ANZ Premiership. Photo/Getty Images

Silver Fern shooter Bailey Mes and her SkyCity Northern Mystics teammates are raring to go ahead of the ANZ Premiership, but first will make a stop in Whangarei.

As part of their pre-season preparations, the Mystics take on new franchise Northern Stars at ASB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

This is followed by the Educare Community Day at Whangarei Netball Centre on Sunday.

Mes said the community day is going to be a fun day if their last event is anything to go by.

"The families and kids loved the last one. It was fantastic and we'll be doing the same things up in Whangarei," she said.

"We had all our stations and were dotted around the place and running drills on shooting, passing, agility work and games.

"The kids were asking for little tips and that's what we're there for. We're more than happy to be chatted to and asked for any hints.

"It will be awesome getting back out there and being somewhere different."

The Mystics have been hard at work in their pre-season as they prepare for their first match in the inaugural ANZ Premiership in less than a month.

Mes said the training has been full on, but they were excited for the season.

"We have one rest day a week but training is pretty constant, particularly in the pre-season. That's where we can make the most gains without having to worry about being sore for games," she said.

"It feels a bit strange that it's that close already but training has been really good. We've had some very tough weeks and we had our first match against the Magic over the weekend so we're just getting into the swing of things."

Mes is returning to the Mystics after two seasons with the Mainland Tactix. She had played five seasons at the Mystics before the move.

She said the allure of home proved too much to refuse.

"I'm from Auckland originally and I loved my two years down there but the opportunity arose to come home and I decided to take it so that was a really good move," Mes said.

Mes is joined in the front court by fellow Silver Fern Maria Tutaia, and Mes thinks the rapport they have will be a bonus for the Mystics.

"I think it will be awesome playing with Maria," she said.

"We've had some really good times together with the Silver Ferns in the circle but I guess it will be a chance to keep that connection going.

"We'll be able to try out some things with new feeders and that's really exciting."

The ANZ Premiership will pit six New Zealand franchises against each other, replacing the old transtasman competition.

Mes said the change should not lessen the quality of netball on offer for fans.

"The new format is really exciting," she said.

"Obviously there's a new team and the make-up of the competition is different in terms of game turnaround which is going to be quite challenging but in terms of playing New Zealand teams I think it's going to be really awesome.

"There's going to be some great games. I don't think the change will necessarily be a bad thing and will still provide a lot of excitement for the fans."

The pre-season hit out at ASB Stadium this Saturday starts at 4pm. Tickets cost $10 for Adults, with children 12 years and under free. Tickets are door sale only and seating in limited, so make sure you arrive early enough to get a seat.

The Educare Community Day at Whangarei Netball Centre on Sunday runs from 10am to 12pm.

It is free for all ages and provides a fantastic opportunity for fans and aspiring netballers to take part in ANZ Future Ferns activities and pick up some tips and tricks from Mystics players and coaches.