Julia Fitzgerald: Magic improving as season looms

By the beginning of this month, the Kia Magic welcomed their Silver Ferns back from England and finally had a full squad at training.

All other players had been hard at training both on the court and in the gym for several weeks and it was exciting to finally have our team together.

Our first real hit-out came within a week when we travelled to New Plymouth to meet the Pulse in two trial games. Our captain Casey Kopua could only support from the sidelines following ankle surgery before Christmas.

While we didn't record a win, the weekend was invaluable in showing us the areas that most needed work and our performance was creditable given some players had never even met till a few days before.

Two weeks later we had the Summer Shootout in Melbourne. Our first couple of games were disappointing as new combinations failed to gel and some players were introduced to their first experience of the intensity of ANZ Championship netball.

However, everyone remained positive and we saw a real turning point in our draw with the Fever after a fighting effort against a team who has recruited well in the off-season.

The improvement continued throughout the weekend and although this didn't show on the scoreboard, there were some rewards for our endeavours in the targets we set.

We welcomed Casey back on to the court for a short period but were happy to see her pull up well with no after effects from her first real hit-out.

We have two weeks before our first game and know we have a lot of ground to cover to raise the standard, but our group is committed and united.

Mixed in with all the training, there have been other commitments that are now an integral part of professional netball - photo shoots, media and a great day with our sponsors Kia.

Kia Magic can't wait for their first home game in Hamilton on Monday, March 17.

The Magic play their first game of the season against the Tactix in Christchurch on March 1.

Julia Fitzgerald is Kia Magic Head Coach