Netball: Ferns selectors consider mix

Deciding on the right mix of shooters, middies and defenders could be the hardest decision Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken faces before Tuesday's naming of the New Zealand team to take on Australia.

With just two tests against Australia this year, Aitken will be looking to cement combinations for next year's Commonwealth Games.

Defensively and through the midcourt, Aitken is spoilt for choice, which leads to the question of whether she will take an extra defender or midcourter instead of a fourth shooter in her team of 12.

Aitken has made do with three shooters since Belinda Colling withdrew from the squad last year to have a baby.

Colling, who gave birth to a boy, has said she is keen to play at the Games, meaning Aitken could stick with three shooters this year and await Colling's return.

But it's a risky option. It will be in New Zealand's best interest to have four shooters ready for the gruelling Games tournament - so another option is needed if Colling falls through.

The shooting cupboard has been a bit bare but several candidates have emerged during the National Bank Cup. Aside from incumbents Irene van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna and Angela Mitchell, others staking a claim are the Magic's Anna Senio, the Diamonds' Jo Morrison and Maria Tutaia, the Flames' Shelley Norris, the Force's Daneka Wipitti and the Rebels' Katie Ritchie.

The most promising is probably New Zealand A member Senio, who has formed a fairly lethal pairing with van Dyk.

As a goal attack rather than a goal shoot is needed, Tutaia may also have a chance - the only difficulty being her limited court time in the Cup competition.

If Aitken returns to the four shooters, four midcourters, four defenders split, it will mean some very impressive players miss out.

On defence, Anna Scarlett, Joline Henry and 19-year-old Casey Williams have probably been the standout performers in the cup.

Williams has reaped the benefits of her time with the Silver Ferns in March and appears unfazed by any attack put in front of her.

Veterans Vilimaina Davu and Sheryl Scanlan have had strong seasons. Scanlan's form has been a little patchy but her experience may give her the nod over Williams.

The performance of midcourters Adine Wilson and Anna Rowberry has been difficult to gauge with both coming back from knee surgery.

Rowberry has shown good form throughout the competition, although she's still a little tentative. Wilson returned last week and in just one match made a difference to the Sting attack.

A specialist wing defence is probably needed to join Wilson and Rowberry and the relentless Temepara George in the midcourt.

That opens the door for either Lesley Rumball, Victoria Edward or the Magic's Laura Langman.

Someone, somewhere, has to miss out. Over to you, Mrs Aitken.

Possible Silver Ferns team

Shooters: Irene van Dyk (Magic), Jodi Te Huna (Diamonds), Angela Mitchell (Rebels).
Midcourt: Anna Rowberry (Diamonds), Adine Wilson (Sting), Temepara George (Force), Laura Langman (Magic), Lesley Rumball (Sting).
Defence: Vilimaina Davu (Flames), Joline Henry (Magic), Anna Scarlett (Rebels), Sheryl Scanlan (Force).