Netball: Frail defence finding its feet, says Williams

Casey Williams. Photo / Getty Images

Star defender Casey Williams denies the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic's defensive line-up is in need of a re-think after being badly exposed against the Southern Steel.

The Magic defensive end was uncharacteristically lacking in vigour against the Steel in their 52-47 round 10 loss, as they failed to effect much turnover from the home side.

A week ago the Magic's place in the semifinals looked all but guaranteed, but on the strength of Monday night's performance the Waikato side's chances of making it beyond the regular season for the third straight year don't seem so assured.

The Magic still have to face three tough Australian teams in the run home, beginning with the Firebirds this Monday.

They need to win at least one of those, and beat the Central Pulse in round 13 to book their place in the finals.

To do so, the Magic will need to come up with a quick solution to defensive frailties that have emerged since losing Australian import Peta Scholz to a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago.

But Williams believes they are on the right track, saying there is no need to make more sweeping changes.

"It's had a huge impact on us, but I personally think we have the depth and the belief we can still do it," she said.

The loss of Scholz saw Jodi Tod move across to plug the gap at wing defence, with Williams shifting out of the circle to goal defence and Kahurangi Waititi promoted off the bench to goal keep. But the trio were far from effective against the Steel.

Williams had an unusually quiet night, Tod had little impact in the midcourt and Waititi was completely outplayed by Daneka Wipiiti.

The athletic Williams spent a lot of time in the goal defence bib last year, and impressed with her knack of sniffing out an intercept.

But without a strong and experienced goal keep behind her she has struggled to make an impact there this season.

The Silver Ferns skipper admitted she is finding the readjustment difficult.

"It is hard being put out there," she said. "It just makes you think twice as in 'should I be out here, or should I be back helping my buddy?' It is I guess just learning the adjustments and making sure we do our own job."

There is concern how they will fare against Romelda Aiken (Firebirds), Carla Borrego (Thunderbirds) and Catherine Cox (Swifts) in the coming weeks.

Many have called for Williams to move back to goal keep but she hinted they are not ready to abandon the current line-up.

"That's up to Noeline to decide." [if I should go back to goal-keep]. There are a lot of top shooters coming up, but in saying that we need to get our hands on the ball further up the court, trying to get it coming in to the circle is just too late."