Netball: Magic defend the value of Australia-based preparation

The Magic's Laura Langman says her side is focused on the task at hand. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic insist spending the week in Adelaide to prepare for their crucial final round netball clash against the Thunderbirds will help rather hinder their performance this weekend.

Instead of returning home following their win over the West Coast Fever in Perth last weekend, the Magic opted to head straight to Adelaide to begin their build-up for Sunday's ANZ Championship showdown with the third-placed Thunderbirds.

Some experts believe spending that length of time away from home could be detrimental.

In her column on the Netball Australia website, Australian coach Norma Plummer suggested that the travel habits of some of the New Zealand teams may have something to do with their poor record across the Tasman.

She claims the Kiwi franchises tend to treat their trips across the Tasman as an opportunity to shop and sight-see, when they should be solely focused on doing their job on court.

"Maybe there is another reason for the lack of success in Australia by New Zealand teams. It's been suggested by some that perhaps the longer trips are seen as a holiday, whipping around seeing the city's sights," Plummer wrote.

But Magic midcourter Laura Langman said there was no danger of her side getting distracted this week.

"Although we are away from home we are still very much focused on our task and making sure we're well prepared for this weekend," she said.

"Pretty much what we're trying to do is replicate what we would do at home. So we had our individual training and strength session yesterday and then our team training today. Then from Friday onwards we'll really ramp things up."

With all the down time the team will have over the week, some believe there is also the risk that the players will become restless. However Langman said her side were professional enough to keep their minds on the job.

"I don't think the girls will be getting restless, everyone is in a pretty good space to be honest. We know we're here for a purpose and we're not going to lose sight of that," she said.

"It's definitely a different way to go about things but I think the management have got it right."

The Thunderbirds' loss to the Southern Steel on Monday night guaranteed the Magic a top-two finish, earning them an extra life in the play-offs. However Magic coach Noeline Taurua said this did not relieve any pressure on her side, as they were desperate to secure a home semifinal.

"We need the two points this weekend because we want a home semi. The good thing is we can't go any lower, but we want that home advantage for the finals - it definitely makes a difference."

The Magic are tied on points at the top of the table with the Melbourne Vixens but are the number one-ranked on goal percentage.