Netball: 2009 season predictions

PERENNIAL GRIPE
One of the biggest controversies to emerge from last season was over the use of local umpires to officiate at transtasman matches.

Differences in interpretation between the whistleblowers here and across the ditch meant the visiting team was often at a disadvantage and a lot of sides struggled to adjust to the calls.

With league bosses opting to keep the arrangement in appointing umpires, expect the issue to crop up again this season. But there's unlikely to be the same outcry as last year as the top sides in the competition know they just have to get on with it. But sometimes, coaches just can't help themselves.

BREAKING THE DUCK
The New Zealand teams racked up a rather unflattering record in Australia last year, with no Kiwi franchise able to win across the ditch.

With that in mind, all eyes will be on who will be the first to break that hex this year (please, let it be this year).

So which team will be the first to claim a win on Australian soil? The Tactix have a chance to do so first up in round one against the NSW Swifts, but my money is on the Mystics to topple the West Coast Fever in Perth in week three.

MOST TALKED ABOUT
Temepara George. No real surprises there, when is this girl not in the headlines? Speculation has already begun over whether George will return to the Silver Ferns this season.

The midcourt star last played for New Zealand in mid-2007, later making herself unavailable for the World Champs team and hasn't returned since, although she has never officially ruled out an international comeback.

As it stands, George says she has a "50-50" chance of making herself available for international duty this year.

"I'm going to see how my season goes with the Mystics and see if I've still got it. I think there's something like eight tests this year. It's definitely enticing."

BIGGEST RIVALRY
The 2008 Grand Final rematch between the NSW Swifts and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic (scheduled for round three) is sure to stir up a lot of feeling, particularly for the Magic, who will be eager to avenge last year's loss.

But an even stronger rivalry is brewing between the two teams from opposite ends of the country - the Southern Steel and the Northern Mystics.

Despite being the favourites in all their previous meetings, the Steel have never beaten the Mystics, pre-season or otherwise, and there are fears in the South that the Auckland franchise are becoming their bogey team.

Steel coach Robyn Broughton has also been outspoken about the Mystics' physicality, ensuring there will be no love lost when the sides meet this season.