Last year they were the surprise package of the competition.
Coming from nowhere to finish third, Auckland Waitakere achieved their best result in the national provincial championship since 1999, where they were runners-up to Waikato.
The reason for their success? Well, a couple of racy midcourters called Anna Rowberry and Victoria Edward
certainly helped. As did a goal shoot by the name of Shelly Norris, a drainlayer by trade, who proved more than capable under the hoop. Defensively? Well, they were pretty solid there too.
The good news is that eight players from last year's side are back. The bad news is that Silver Ferns captain Rowberry is still recovering from knee surgery and is not expected back on a netball court until early next year.
Despite being Rowberry-less, Auckland Waitakere coach Judy Weston and her assistant, former Silver Fern Leonie Leaver, are confident their side can equal if not better last year's result.
"Anybody is going to miss the captain of the Silver Ferns, but we have a really complete team aside from that," Weston said.
The side featured considerable talent apart from the "name" players.
"It is all about the team and how they put it out there in the end."
Joining the Auckland Waitakere side are New Zealand under-21 players Maria Tutaia, Amenda Payne and Katrina Grant and former Auckland player Kelly Rattray (nee Preece).
Although their shooters will need to perform faultlessly to ensure Auckland Waitakere remain competitive, a lot will also rest on the shoulders of their defence, who this year are without seasoned players Leigh Price and Moana Clarke.
"It is really great having the young girls," Weston said.
"It brings a new dimension to it. I think we have a nice stable pack."
Pooled alongside Canterbury, Bay of Plenty and Eastern, Auckland should have no problem finishing in the top two of their pool, if not first.
Auckland Waitakere: Shelly Norris, Maria Tutaia, Juanita Nilsen, Brigette Tapene, Ritua Petero, Krystal Feterika-Opetaia, Amenda Payne, Vanessa Banbrook, Kelly Rattray, Victoria Edward, Katrina Grant, Rachel Rasmussen.
