Netball: Mystics hit as dynamic duo change camp

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic have lost two key performers from their side with the departure of mid-courter Laura Langman and shooter Irene van Dyk.

After long-time coach Noeline Taurua left, replaced by Australian Julie Fitzgerald, there was always a strong possibility that senior players would move on and that reality hit home at the weekend.

It was announced Saturday that Langman will commute up the North Island to join the Auckland-based Mystics next year, while van Dyk will join the Central Pulse for the 2014 campaign in Wellington - the city she has called home for the past 11 years.

The 41-year-old van Dyk has travelled to Hamilton to train and play since moving from the Capital Shakers at the end of the 2002 season.

The Silver Ferns shooter, who won gold medals at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games and also at the 2003 world championships, was the most accurate shooter in this year's ANZ Championship, scoring 425 goals from 445 attempts for a 95.5 per cent success rate.

The former New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year was looking forward to spending more time at home with her family as she links up with her local team.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for the Magic, which has been very special, but I'm really looking forward to a fresh challenge with the Pulse as I look to build my future closer to home," she said.

Van Dyk's acquisition has spelled the end of Australian import Caitlin Thwaites' time in the capital and she will likely return to play in Australia.

The Pulse have retained the services of coach Robyn Broughton for next season and once captain Katrina Grant inks a contract extension - which is a mere formality - the franchise will look to re-sign the majority of their roster from this season where they finished a franchise-best fifth.

Langman, who has played 90 tests and had played for the Magic for her entire professional career, said yesterday it was time for a change.

"I've had an amazing tenure at Magic and they will always be family for me, but I just feel it's the right time to try something new, open a new chapter in my netball career and give my all to the Mystics," she said.

Langman, 27, will be a useful cog in the Mystics' mid-court, while she will be joined in the side by Maria Tutaia, Kayla Cullen and Anna Harrison (maternity leave) who have all confirmed they will return to the Auckland-based franchise for next season.

The Mystics slumped to a woeful 1-12 record this year as they picked up the wooden spoon under interim coach Ruth Aitken but will be keen to rebound under the returning Debbie Fuller.

The Magic, meanwhile, will be desperate to hang on to defensive duo Leana de Bruin and Casey Kopua who are yet to announce plans for next year.

APNZ