KEY POINTS:
The Northern Mystics called in male reinforcements to training this week to come up with strategies to counter the height of the West Coast Fever.
The Mystics meet the Fever in Auckland today in the first of three transtasman clashes in this weekend's third round of the ANZ
Championship.
Of all the Australian teams, the Perth-based side are least regarded. But if the opening two rounds have taught us anything, it is that there are no easy match-ups in the new competition.
With tall timber at both ends of the court, in 192cm shooter Caitlin Bassett and 196cm goalkeeper Susan Fuhrmann, the Fever are a tricky proposition for any side.
And given the Auckland franchise is still searching for a win this season, coach Yvonne Willering has left no stone unturned in the build-up to today's match. The Mystics trained against a men's team during the week to try to prepare themselves for the added height in the Fever line-up.
Mystics defender Leana de Bruin said taking on such a lofty line-up requires adjustments at both ends of the court.
De Bruin is likely to match up against impressive youngster Caitlin Bassett, who is tipped to have a bright future in the game. Bassett has been one of the most accurate shooters in the league in the opening rounds of the competition and shot at an incredible 97 per cent against the Adelaide Thunderbirds last weekend.
The Silver Fern defender said her side need to work hard to stop the ball before it gets into the shooting circle.
"If we just hang off them and not get too tight, hopefully they'll be more casual with their passing into the circle and there'll be a lot more ball there for the taking."
This strategy requires exceptional timing from the defenders _ something de Bruin has been working on after her pre-season was disrupted by ankle surgery.
"My preparation has been a bit shorter than normal, so I'm just getting the confidence back to go for things I normally would go for."
The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic also face a tough test today against a wounded NSW Swifts in Newcastle. The Swifts were bitterly disappointed with their performance in their shock loss to the Canterbury Tactix last weekend.
It is the Magic's first away assignment of the season, and coach Noeline Taurua is looking forward to hitting the road.
"I think we work better when we are away from home, mainly because there are less distractions and we come together closer as a team."
The game of the round pits Australia's "big two" franchises against each other as the Melbourne Vixens take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
With both sides littered with international players, there are some juicy match-ups. The highlight will be Vixens captain Sharelle McMahon against tenacious defender Mo'onia Gerrard.
To get more supporters, the Vixens are allowing male spectators in for free with anyone who purchases a full-price ticket.
Monday night sees the Tactix take on the Southern Steel, while the Pulse take on the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane.
ROUND THREE
Today: Northern Mystics v West Coast Fever, 2.30pm, Auckland; NSW Swifts v Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic, 4.30pm, Newcastle.
Tomorrow: Melbourne Vixens v Adelaide Thunderbirds, 3.30pm, Melbourne.
Monday: Canterbury Tactix v Southern Steel, 7pm, Christchurch; Queensland Firebirds v Central Pulse, 9pm, Brisbane.
