Netball: ANZ Championship preview

Mystics's captain Temepara George. Photo / Getty Images

The Herald's netball writer Dana Johannsen provides a complete guide to the ANZ Championship which kicks off this weekend.

This has to be Mystics' year, says George
The Mystics' tag as perennial under-achievers is starting to wear thin with captain Temepara George.

Worrying growth on competition's sick list
The ever-expanding netball calendar is a clear sign the sport has grown rapidly over the past four years writes Dana Johannsen.

Magic will use extra week to test mettle on river journey
While the Swifts and Thunderbirds hit the court in this Sunday's season opener, the Magic will be another world away doing a spot of soul searching on the Whanganui River.

Not-so-secret weapons
If the Magic are to secure their place in the playoffs for the fourth straight year, they will again rely on their experienced players to lead the way.

Expert comments:
Dana Johannsen: Curse of the champions
It has been dubbed the curse of the premiers. On top of the world's best netball league one year, competition stragglers the next.

Yvonne Willering: New season brings tiring challenges for players
It'll be a feast for fans as top players battle it out in this year's condensed netball timetable.

Laura Langman: Third degree for the karate kids
Magic captain Laura Langman reveals the gruelling efforts that go into a pre-season training campaign.

Complete fixtures list:
ANZ Championship schedule
Check out when all the matches take place during the season