Netball: Aussie set to gel Mystics

Aussie Megan Dehn is in her sixth season in New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

From retired to revitalised.

She wasn't supposed to be playing this year, but Megan Dehn is one of the key reasons for the Mystics' new-found backbone this season.

While there is never a shortage of flash and dash at Trusts Stadium, the veteran Australian's steady, solid approach has provided a crucial balance in the Mystics' impressive start to their campaign.

But coming to Auckland was a last-minute call for the 36-year-old attacking player.

"I had decided to retire," the Sydneysider explains. "It was getting too hard to come over here for six months and pack up your whole life."

Dehn is probably the longest-serving Australian import in any sport in New Zealand. She completed two years with the Northern Force in the National Bank Cup, and then played the first three seasons of the ANZ Championship with the Southern Steel, the last as captain.

This season the Steel decided to use Natasha Chokljat in their import spot, and Dehn was looking forward to life after netball, using her management degree towards a career in sports administration.

But some gentle arm-twisting from close friend and former Force team-mate Temepara George, along with an offer that was too good to pass up, led her back to New Zealand for the sixth consecutive season.

Not that she's complaining. Being part of the much-vaunted Australian style had become boring - and playing in New Zealand is a lot more enjoyable.

"In Australia, it's a little bit less about skill and more about who is the fastest and the fittest and who can run for the longest," she says. "Here it's more about skill, finding space and working the ball around. I had been playing the same style for 15 years so there was the added challenge of learning."

Dehn represented Australia from 2000-2006 but admitted while watching the Delhi final she didn't know who to cheer for, saying she probably had more friends in the Silver Ferns. She even declared an interest in playing for the Ferns last year, and her starring performance for the World Seven in 2009 certainly turned a few heads.

Six seasons in New Zealand has also developed a "healthy addiction" for RJ's licorice and pick 'n' mix lollies, neither of which are available across the Tasman.

The Australian offers an interesting perspective on the Mystics, having competed against them for three seasons.

"They were always dangerous but perhaps never consistent," says Dehn. "That is what we are striving to find - the complete match. Every week we get closer."

Dehn tries to provide a calming influence at the Auckland franchise, who have a large contingent of brilliant, yet slightly impetuous players.

"I'm not a flashy player," admits Dehn. "I'm steady and solid and try to make everybody feel comfortable. My role is to get everybody gelling at the attacking end."

Indeed, while her current team-mates call her Megs or Deno, her calm persona on court led a previous coach to nickname her Angry - because she never was.

Dehn has spent most of her court life in the attacking circle, but Mystics coach Debbie Fuller has employed her mostly at wing attack. She impressed as a late replacement for Maria Tutaia at goal attack against the Vixens and will continue to put pressure on the Ferns star.

Today's game against the Magic is the ultimate test of the Mystics' aspirations. Their round three clash was evenly poised for most of the match, before the Mystics hit a soft patch under pressure in the final quarter.

Joline Henry is unlikely to play the whole match and, while Kayla Cullen has coped admirably.

The Melbourne Vixens got back on the winning trail with a crushing 70-39 win over the West Coast Fever yesterday afternoon.

In New Zealand

2006: Northern Force (3rd)

2007: Northern Force (2nd)

2008: Southern Steel (6th)

2009: Southern Steel (4th

2010: Southern Steel (4th)

2011: Northern Mystics