Netball: Shooter shortage threatens SIlver Ferns

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken is keeping a close eye on the increasing number of imports being drafted into National Bank Cup squads, after expressing concern over the lack of New Zealand shooters available for test selection.

International representatives such as the Force's Megan Dehn, Natalie Avellino from the Southern Sting and Shakers captain Frances Solia occupy shooting positions in the domestic competition, leaving Aitken with an almost empty shooting cupboard for next month's test matches.

Aitken said: "We probably have an [international player] overload in the shooting end, which has happened for the first time."

She was quick to acknowledge the benefits of having international players appearing in the domestic competition. "I think it's really important that it's restricted. I don't think it should be open season."

Despite the battle to find a suitable shooting partner for Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic goal shoot Irene van Dyk, Aitken will closely watch how the situation develops.

She has coached the Silver Ferns to a world championship title and Commonwealth Games gold medal. Aitken has significant influence on the way New Zealand netball develops - but does not believe she has the right to tell netball officials who they can and cannot recruit.

"The franchises bring in the expertise where they feel they need it. I can't tell them what to do," Aitken said.

Netball's international balance of power has undoubtedly shifted to New Zealand and overseas players are attracted by the quality of netball and the pay - often commanding higher salaries than those offered by netball squads across the Tasman.

The Kiwi lifestyle was also a factor for the Force's Leana de Bruin when she made the move from South Africa in 2002. Having notched up 10 test caps for the Silver Ferns since her international debut in 2003, de Bruin said she doesn't miss her old life in the Republic. It's the small, simple things she enjoys, after witnessing unrest in her home country.

"You can imagine not being able to walk to the dairy. If you go to netball, you can't play at night. A lot of the girls got smashed-in cars while stopped at traffic lights," de Bruin explained.

Her New Zealand transition was made easier by having fellow South African import van Dyk in the side. The pair often conversed in Afrikaans while on tour but quickly reverted to English when the other girls were around.

De Bruin also confessed to owing more to van Dyk than most friends - she introduced de Bruin to a South African named Quentin, who later became de Bruin's husband.

The 28-year-old has no regrets about making the move to New Zealand.

Today, defender de Bruin will take the court against an Otago Rebels outfit which is without captain Angela Mitchell for the rest of the National Bank Cup season.

The loss of Mitchell's experience may mean they struggle against the attacking flair of the Force.