Netball: Langman a key to changing Mystics fortunes

Langman and van Dyk have moved.

Mystics

Coach: Debbie Fuller (new)
Welcomed: Laura Langman (Magic), Nadia Loveday (Magic), Jodi Tod-Elliott (Magic), Anna Harrison (returning), Temalisi Fakahokotau.
Farewelled: Jessica Moulds (Tactix), Malia Paseka (Magic), Grace Rasmussen (Magic), Hayley Saunders (Tactix), Jess Bourke, Charlotte Kight, Lavinia Vaitohi.
2013 finish: 10th (last)
Play-off appearances: 2 (2011, 2012)
*The Auckland side will improve on 2013, when they lost 12 of 13 games to finish last. Laura Langman should solve the midcourt issues that plagued the team last season and add a harder edge to the team, on and off the court. The return of Anna Harrison is crucial and Jodi Tod-Elliott brings vital experience, while Julie Corletto has a year playing the New Zealand style under her belt. Could become the first team in ANZ Championship history to reach the play-offs a year after finishing last.

Magic

Coach: Julie Fitzgerald (new)
Welcomed: Jo Harten (Tactix), Bessie Manu (Tactix), Grace Rasmussen (Mystics), Malia Paseka (Mystics), Courtney Tairi (Steel), Jo Trip (Tactix), Katherine Coffin, Brooke Leaver, Samantha Sinclair.
Farewelled: Laura Langman (Mystics), Nadia Loveday (Mystics), Erena Mikaere (Steel), Jodi Tod-Elliott (Mystics), Elias Shadrock (Pulse), Irene van Dyk (Pulse), Khao Watts (Fever), Kendra Falefitu, Jess Tuki, Jess Waitapu.
2013 finish: 3rd
Play-off appearances: 6 (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
*For fans so used to success, this campaign might be a jolt back to reality. The integration of nine new players into a squad is a huge undertaking and the loss of Langman and Irene van Dyk as well as foundation coach Noeline Taurua already marks 2014 as a rebuilding year. The strong defensive end (Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin) will win plenty of ball but will their team-mates have the ability to use it well? There is some potential if all the ingredients can be melded together but it won't happen this year.

Pulse

Coach: Robyn Broughton
Welcomed: Elias Shadrock (Magic), Irene van Dyk (Magic), Ama Agbeze, Katarina Cooper, Gemma Hazeldine.
Farewelled: Caitlin Thwaites (Swifts), Amber Bellringer, Victoria Smith, Daya Wiffen.
2013 finish: 5th
Play-off appearances: 0
*After their painful first few years, respectability has been gained over the past two seasons and this year the final step - into the playoffs - needs to be taken. They were close last year, with the loss to the Mystics particularly painful. It's a strong squad on paper and van Dyk, Elias Shadrock and Ama Agbeze should provide the icing on the cake.

Tactix

Coach: Leigh Gibbs
Welcomed: Mwai Kumwenda (Malawi), Jessica Moulds (Mystics), Hayley Saunders (Mystics), Nicola Mackle.
Farewelled: Jo Harten (Magic), Bessie Manu (Magic), Jo Trip (Magic), Elizabeth Hayman, Kirsten Hurley.
2013 finish: 9th
Play-off appearances: 0
*Like their shattered city, the slow rebuilding of the Tactix will continue this year. There was progress last year, with two wins (although both against the Mystics) to avoid the wooden spoon. However, they also had numerous heavy defeats and Harten is a big loss. Mwai Kumwenda looks talented and Moulds should prosper with increased game time but they lack leadership at the attacking end of the court.

Steel

Coach: Janine Southby
Welcomed: Erena Mikaere (Magic).
Farewelled: Courtney Tairi (Magic), Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, Kate Shearer.
2013 finish: 6th
Play-off appearances: 2 (2009, 2010)
*A settled line-up and the huge weapon that is Jhaniele Fowler will make the southern team hard to beat. The Jamaican has become the hardest player to defend in world netball but stopping goals will be the bigger challenge for the Steel, who still lack experience and size at the defensive end of the court. They will be a top four contender.