Hockey: Women's teams for national league

Auckland

Coach: Tina Bell-Kake

2005: 5th
2004: 5th
2003: 6th
2002: 3rd
2001: 1st
2000: 1st

Expected standouts: Krystal Forgesson, Lizzie Ryan, Kim Noakes, Fran Kreft, Sian Bremner, Keita Miru.

On the rise: Katie Glynn, Lucy Talbot, Roberta Thornley, Jane Clarke, Charlotte Edwards, Agi Gada.

Outlook: Former Black Sticks midfield star Tina Bell-Kake takes over the coaching reins for this year.

Bell-Kake turned out for the side last year and made a huge difference but has decided this year to make her impact from the sideline. The New Zealand Maori women's coach takes over a fairly stable team with 11 players back from last season.

The only significant loss is Black Sticks defender Kate Saunders who has moved to Canterbury.

Goal scoring should be a strength, with experienced national squad members Krystal Forgesson and Lizzie Ryan plus well-performed NHL attacker Keita Miru.

Bell-Kake is also looking to newcomers Charlotte Edwards and Agi Gada to contribute up front.

NZ Development squad member Jane Clarke will be in the midfield but could be another to watch in the circle. She missed last year's league through injury.

There is plenty of further strength and NHL experience in the midfield with the likes of Kim Noakes and Sian Bremner, supported by Kate Mackay and Hannah Newman.

Frances Kreft and Roberta Thornley bring experience in defence with Melissa Johnson, Josephina Ah Sam and Danielle Hobby up-and-comers to watch.

Caroline Stewart (NZD), returns in goal.

Team: Josephina Ah Sam, Sian Bremner, Jane Clarke (NZD), Charlotte Edwards, Krystal Forgesson (NZ), Katie Glynn, Frances Kreft (NZ), Agi Gada, Danielle Hobby, Melissa Johnson, Kate Mackay, Hannah Newman, Keita Miru, Kim Noakes, Lizzie Ryan (NZ). Caroline Stuart (NZD), Lucy Talbot, Roberta Thornley.

Tip: Auckland had a two-win/five-loss record in pool play last year. Bell-Kake will need an improved effort this year if she is to achieve her goal of a top-four finish. Talent is there to burn.

North Harbour

Coach: Rex Smith

2005: 3rd
2004: 4th
2003: 3rd
2002: 5th
2001: 5th
2000: 6th

Expected standouts: Paula Enoka, Jaimee Provan, Lizzy Igasan, Michaela Mihailou.

On the rise: Kim Green.

Outlook: Rex Smith takes over a weakened North Harbour.

Smith, a former Black Sticks selector, will be assisted by Mark Dempster.

Harbour have lost a number of players, including Black Stick Kate Mahon (who has returned home to Midlands), Connie Igasan, Karolina Patterson, Charlene Antony and Katie Kruyff.

Up front, Jaimee Provan returns to lead the attack alongside former Black Stick Karlie Maloney, who comes back to the game after a break. The midfield will be marshalled by centre-half standout Lizzy Igasan, who, alongside defender Paula Enoka, will form a strong penalty corner bracket.

Rhianna Buchanan and Holly Riini also bring solid NHL experience to the midfield.

This area has also been boosted by 21-year-old Australian import Michaela Mihailou, who played in the AHL last year for the Canberra Strikers.

Twins Kim and Amanda Green will play in the half line, with the option of Amanda also playing in deep defence, alongside Enoka. The side's two keepers, Bianca Russell and Sally Rutherford, are both New Zealand Development squad members.

Tip: Harbour haven't finished outside the top four in the past three years.

Team: Rhianna Buchanan, Gabrielle Buchanan, Paula Enoka, Natasha Fitzsimons, Kushla Glauser, Amanda Green, Kimberley Green (NZD), Lizzy Igasan (NZ), Monique McKenzie, Karlie Maloney, Michaela Mihailou (IGP), Jaimee Provan (NZ), Holly Riini, Rhonda Rowsell (NZD), Bianca Russell (NZD), Sally Rutherford (NZD), Erin Weber, Petrea Webster.

Last year's placings: Wellington 1, Canterbury 2, North Harbour 3, Central 4, Auckland 5, Midlands 6, Northland 7, Southern 8.

HOW THE REST SHAPE UP

Northland

Seventh last year, expect them to do better this time round. Ngaire Smith, with 97 internationals for Australia behind her, will be an important figure, as will teenage Black Stick whizzkid Charlotte Harrison. A pointer? They beat Auckland in their buildup to the league, for the first time since 1972.

Midlands

Might be the surprises. Sixth last year and now bolstered by the return of Black Sticks Kate Mahon and Clarissa Eshuis to play alongside just-retired international Di Weavers. Four drafted players last season, just one this time, a pointer to strong player development in the region.

Wellington

Defending champions, but shorn of several players from last year, most notably retired Black Sticks captain Suzie Muirhead and last year's leading goalscorer, Niniwa Roberts. National goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit is back. All pool games are away from home, which will be a mental test. Finals weekend is in the capital.

Central

Champions a couple of years ago, fourth last year. They've got their Black Sticks in goalkeeper Anita Wawatai, and Tara Drysdale, Emily Naylor and Moira Senior, but they'll miss the recuperating Kayla Sharland. Nine survivors from two years ago. Worth watching.

Canterbury

Their record since 2000 reads 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd. So they'll be there or thereabouts? You bet. They've lost several names from last year, but there's still a hatful of internationals, Carr, Dillon, Orr, Saunders for starters. They'll be tough.

Southern

Last in the last two years and with goalscorers Amber Boyce and Keryn Nicholas out, it doesn't look promising. Six draft players. A tough challenge.