Netball: Tipsters pick their finalists

Lois Muir (Otago Rebels coach)

STING

It will be won or lost in the midcourt. I don't think the Flames midcourt was at full power at the start of the season, they have gained a lot of confidence in that area but Lesley Nicol and Adine Harper feeding that attack end for Sting are quite a threat.

MAGIC

It also hinges on the midfield for the Magic in that they feed Irene van Dyk really well. The Magic have had a few hiccups throughout the competition but so have the Force. I would have to go with the Magic, though, because of Irene's consistency.

Sheryl George-Burns (Capital Shakers coach)



STING

The experience of the Sting will come through. Their midcourt is so solid and they have played together for so long. You have got players like Adine Harper and Lesley Nicol in there that are so level-headed and then Donna Loffhagen at goal attack. They will be a hard nut to crack.

MAGIC

They have been more consistent than the Force. We finished seventh but we only lost by one point to the Force, so that is how vulnerable they can be. Their whole game depends on whether Daneka Wipiiti is on fire or not.


Anna Rowberry (Silver Ferns captain/Diamonds co-captain)


STING

If you look at the past you would have to pick the Sting. However, I don't think the Flames played to their full potential the last time they played the Sting and I think they can improve, whereas I am not sure whether the Sting can. I am not saying the Flames don't have a chance, but the Sting will be fired up after losing their last match.

MAGIC

I would have to put my money on the Magic just because they have been pretty consistent. With the Force you just don't know what you are going to get, but if all of their players decide to come to the party, then it will be a close one.


Kathryn Harby-Williams (Former Australian captain, Diamonds defender)



STING

Because the Sting are coming off a loss, they will be pretty dangerous and playing at home gives them another advantage as well. If the Sting get a flow on through the midcourt ... they become really dangerous. so if the Flames will have a better chance if they can stifle that.

FORCE

They are coming off a win, will be quite confident and haven't played to their potential all season. If Daneka Wipiiti shoots well they will win; if she doesn't then they will struggle. That is a lot of pressure to put on a young girl but that is just the way it is, unfortunately.

Tonight at 7.30: Sting v Flames at Stadium Southland.

Sunday at 1pm: Magic v Force at Tauranga.