Netball: Julie Fitzgerald re-signs with Magic

Magic's Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald talks to the team during a timeout. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

The Magic have secured the services of Australian coach Julie Fitzgerald for another season.

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty franchise announced today Fitzgerald will take the reins again for the 2016 ANZ Championship season after agreeing to a one-year contract extension.

Fitzgerald joined the Magic in 2014, inherited a largely young and inexperienced side after the loss of key players Laura Langman and Irene van Dyk. But the former NSW Swifts coach defied preseason predictions, leading the Magic to within a game of the grand final to maintain the franchise's impressive record of having never missed a transtasman league play-offs.

The Magic will once again contest this year's finals after their 52-47 win over the Pulse on Monday.

The 2014 ANZ Championship coach of the year said the decision to stay on at the Magic for a further season was an easy one.

"I've loved my time with the Kia Magic and in New Zealand and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to coach the team again next year," said Fitzgerald.

"The Magic have a proud history of success in the ANZ Championship and have a great culture and I want to continue to be part of it."

Netball Waikato Bay Of Plenty CEO, Tim Hamilton said extending Fitzgerald's contract also required very little consideration.

"She's demonstrated what a great coach she is and along with deservedly winning the 2014 ANZ Championship coach of the year award in her first year with a vastly changed side, she's been able to keep our injury hit team firmly in title contention this year," said Hamilton.

The Magic take on the Mainland Tactix in their final round robin clash on Sunday.