KEY POINTS:
The introduction of a new semi-professional transtasman league has everyone in the netball community brimming with excitement.
But for players that have been around as long as Mystics defender Sheryl Scanlan, who prefers the term "experienced", the advent of the ANZ Championship is perhaps even more exciting.
A change is as good as a holiday, so the saying goes. And given the veteran Silver Fern has plied her trade in the previous domestic competition for seven seasons, the introduction of a new format has certainly sparked her enthusiasm.
Scanlan said the opportunity to pit herself against top-class shooters on a regular basis has given her a new lease on her netballing life. "It's exciting, especially having those Aussie teams there. It's a whole new level and I think it's a big step up from last year's competition and I think it's fantastic for netball."
While there has been talk of New Zealand teams struggling against the speed and mobility of the Australian attack, Scanlan is one player who will match it with the best. The 1.78m defender has an impressive track record against Aussie opposition with her strong tracking ability.
She has had some great test-match battles with Aussie goal-attack Sharelle McMahon, and has the ability to get under the skin of the Melbourne Phoenix captain. She said playing nippy Australian shooters is a challenge she relishes. "It's always awesome to play against the best players in the world and I guess you just sort of lift whenever you come up against those Aussies."
But the 53-test veteran is just one weapon in the Mystics' impressive defensive arsenal that includes fellow Silver Fern Leana de Bruin and former Ferns star Vilimaina Davu. With the often under-rated former Diamonds captain Stephanie Bond and Rachel Rasmussen rounding out the defensive end, the Mystics have options aplenty when it comes to shutting down the opposition attack.
Scanlan says the range of different combinations available means the Mystics have the firepower to counter the various styles of attacking play they will come up against in the new competition.
"In the defensive circle you can play anyone anywhere so I think that's a real strength of our team."
One of the concerns of the Mystics lineup, however, is the youth in their shooting circle. All three shooters in the Auckland franchise are under 21 and it is thought having such young players in pressure positions could cost the Mystics in tight games.
But Scanlan backs the shooting end of Catherine Latu, Jade Topia and Paula Griffin, saying all have the experience and character to handle the intense pressure of the League.
"They may be young but they are still very experienced players because they've all played in the old national league for a number of years. And both Cat and Paula played at the World Champs so they will definitely be able to handle the pressure."
Scanlan said she also believes the youngsters in the team will go from strength to strength as the competition progresses, making the Mystics finals contenders.
"We're together nearly six days of the week and everyone is putting in the hard yards so we definitely have what it takes to do well."
