Netball: Magic's chance for redemption

After being trampled 65-56 by the NSW Swifts in last year's ANZ Championship final, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic have waited nine long months for a chance to get their own back against the Sydney side.

Tonight's grand final rematch at Hamilton's Mystery Creek Events Centre has been billed as a shot at redemption for the Magic.

But trying to atone for last season's disappointing finish isn't the big motivating factor for the Magic tonight. Rather, they find the two competition points much more enticing.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua said they were approaching tonight's clash as if it were any other game.

"Yes, it is a big match, but to be honest, in this competition every week is a biggie. No matter who you play it's going to be a really tough game," said Taurua.

"We can't really afford to dwell on last season's results, we're just really keen to keep building from our first two rounds and make it three from three."

Taurua expects the Swifts to be smarting from last week's 48-47 loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, but was impressed with what she saw from the Sydney team despite the defeat.

"We're not kidding ourselves, they're a bloody brilliant side," she said.

"It looked like the Thunderbirds were out to spoil their type of play by being very physical, not only on the ball but also on the body to stop their flow and timing, but I thought they kept very composed."

"Even though the Swifts were under that physical challenge all the time, for most part they looked the better team, they kept their structure and it was only really a couple of silly mistakes that spoiled it for them in the end."

The Magic lost all three match-ups against the Swifts last season in both home and away encounters and Taurua said her side were looking forward to the opportunity to test themselves against the defending champions.

To come out on top against the impressive Swifts side, the Magic will need to show they have learned something from last year's losses.

It will mean taking a leaf out of the defending champions' book and working hard together as a team to put together four consistent quarters, rather than relying on individual talent to get them out of sticky situations.

The Swifts, meanwhile, will be trying to limit the effectiveness of the Magic's key performers, particularly that of Silver Ferns sharpshooter Irene van Dyk, who netted 100 per cent of her attempts at goal in last weekend's win over the Southern Steel.

Swifts defender Rebecca Bulley admits containing van Dyk is always a tough assignment, but takes a lot of confidence from her side's ability to do so last season.

"Irene van Dyk is one of the best shooters in the world, so defensively we will need to be on our game to minimise her impact.

"But in saying this, we beat them three times last year, with one of those games in Hamilton so we know what to expect and are looking forward to the challenge."

The Magic-Swifts clash is the first of what is expected to be two tight transtasman matches tonight, with the Northern Mystics taking on the West Coast Fever in Perth in the late game.