Netball: Second blow for Ferns

By JULIE ASH and NZPA

The Silver Ferns, already reeling from the shock retirement of captain Bernice Mene, have suffered another blow to their defensive strength, and there may be more losses to come after this weekend.

Linda Vagana will miss next month's series against Jamaica because of work commitments.

And the veteran defender said yesterday that she would review her international career at the end of the domestic competition, the Coca-Cola Cup.

The 30-year-old, who works in marketing at the Auckland University of Technology, said that until now, netball had taken priority over her job. But her career had to come first at some stage.

"Netball is very demanding on your time. The international calendar is becoming a lot more hectic each year and it is hard because the game is not professional.

"My position at work has been reviewed and I have more responsibilities now, so my commitment to my job is more of a priority," Vagana said.

Vagana, who first represented New Zealand in 1991, said her decision was not linked to the controversial axing of national coach Yvonne Willering a month ago.

"That had nothing to do with it. I just didn't feel I could ask for time off at such a crucial time in my job."

Vagana said this was not necessarily the end of her international career.

"I am playing for the Force in the Coca-Cola Cup and I will re-evaluate my future with the Silver Ferns after that."

Just days ago the national side had one of the most respected defensive lineups in the sport as they prepared for the Commonwealth Games and next year's world championships.

Then Mene, partner of New Zealand cricketer Dion Nash, said she was quitting.

Although her decision came as a shock, the 27-year-old appears to have been caught wrong-footed herself, because the women's magazine announcing her retirement was published a day earlier than she expected.

The 78-test veteran, who said she made up her mind while on Waiheke Island this month, had not told officials or new coach Ruth Aitken.

Aitken's headaches do not end there. The squad for the Jamaican tour is due to be named on Monday, but likely replacement defender Vilimaina Davu is also in doubt because of a leg injury.

Outspoken shooter Donna Loffhagen predicts more retirements and says that the new coach is effectively on trial herself at this weekend's Silver Ferns trials.

Although Mene publicly maintains Willering's dumping had no influence on her decision, Loffhagen said others would "assess" their futures after this weekend.

"As a person she [Aitken] is fantastic, but I don't know what she's like as a coach, so I think it's a matter of re-assessing everything."

Loffhagen said that despite being warned by Mene of her decision to retire, the news was still a "massive shock."