Magic 2013 netball squad launched

There was a mix of familiar and new as reigning ANZ Championship netball titleholders Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic launched their 2013 squad today with Kia Motors being confirmed as the team's major commercial partner.

Magic franchise CEO Sheryl Dawson said: "We are really looking forward to seeing the squad in action ... once their training starts in late November. Our goal is to secure the Championship trophy for another season."

With nine returning, the team, to be known as Kia Magic in the new season, has a stable look to it while also introducing a handful of youthful new recruits. The retention of Silver Ferns quartet Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Casey Williams and Leana de Bruin ensures continuity and an experienced base for Magic.

That is shored up by a solid core from their winning 2012 edition in Elias Shadrock, Jess Tuki, Jess Waitapu, Erena Mikaere and Australian import Khao Watts. The team is also boosted by the return of versatile defender Jodi Tod, who is back after a year out on maternity duty.

Those new to the squad are talented shooter Ellen Halpenny, who makes the move north from the Canterbury Tactix and a trio of youthful talent in the form of Kendra Falefitu (shooter), Nadia Loveday (midcourt) and Jaime Lee Price (defence).

``It's a really exciting time for us to be naming this group of players,'' Magic assistant coach Tanya Dearns said.

``In recent years, Magic has probably struggled with finding a consistent depth. There's been a lot of work done in the last couple of years to build that depth and raise the levels. The plan is to keep building on that and we believe that will happen with this group.''

Gone from last year are shooter Julianna Naoupu and defender Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick. A strong desire to return home will see the talented Naoupu suit up for the Tactix next year while Tone-Fitzpatrick has headed to the Southern Steel in search of more game time.

With squads being able to carry 14 players this year, up from 12, Magic have been able to invest in three rookies who will be immersed in the professional environment with a view to keeping the succession plan ticking over.

Falefitu is out of Auckland Girls Grammar School and played for Bay of Plenty Gold in this year's national provincial championships. Loveday, a New Zealand under-21 squad member, and Price come out of the same nursery, Mt Albert Grammar where they are current senior players for the school. Price is the daughter of former New Zealand Warriors rugby league captain and Australian international Steve Price.

"I am really excited about the opportunity for Jaime and can't wait to see her improve on and off the court,'' Steve Price said. ``I believe that Magic's a great place to do that. I have been really impressed so far with the people we have met who are part of the franchise."

Magic squad 2013:

Leana de Bruin, Kendra Falefitu, Ellen Halpenny, Laura Langman, Nadia Loveday, Erena Mikaere, Jaime Lee Price, Jodi Tod, Elias Shadrock, Jess Tuki, Irene van Dyk, Jess Waitapu, Khao Watts, Casey Williams.