Fern favourites: Prem preview
This year’s ANZ Premiership comes with an added incentive for the players, with the chance to get a place in the Silver Ferns for the World Cup.
But one person not looking for a seat on the plane to England is the now retired Anna Harrison, who has replaced her bib with a microphone and will be a part of Sky TV’s commentary team.
Harrison was a long serving player with the Mystics and appeared in 88 tests for the Silver Ferns, so understands the significance of this year’s Premiership.
‘‘It’s an important year with the World Cup,’’ Harrison said.
‘‘There will be a lot of competition out there from players wanting to do well, so it will be interesting to see how that translates, to see if there are still teams working together.’’
The player most eyes will be on from a Silver Ferns point of view is Katrina Rore, with the former captain sensationally dropped by Noeline Taurua for last month’s Quad Series.
‘‘Noeline has explored other options, but I know Katrina has got the drive and she’ll do everything she can to get there.’’
Harrison gave her views on the six teams in the Premiership:
MYSTICS
With both Maria [Folau] and I at each end, there is that loss of experience. They’ve recruited tall timber at both ends (goal shoot Kristina Brice and goal keep Erena Mikaere), so it should mean Bailey Mes moves out and that combination will be interesting to see. When Maria was there, she was the goal attack, she never played goal shoot much.
Their midcourt has changed a bit too, but they’ve still got a couple of key players in there who will do well for them.
STARS
There’s a wealth of experience in the Stars now. But it’s a nice mix and they’ve recruited well.
Maia Wilson is really strong for them with the shooting and I’m particularly interested in how the defensive end is going to go.
Also, I’m looking forward to see how well Temepara Bailey does and how much court time she gets. You can’t beat experience and if you can keep your body in check, what you can bring is massive.
As long as you can still play the game to the level to execute what you know, which I believe Temepara can do, she’ll bring a lot.
MAGIC Defensively they’ve got a great lineup. Their midcourt has been together for a while now and their new goal shoot Abigail LatuMeafou is a good signing.
She came into the Mystics a few years ago as a training partner, so it will be interesting to see how she blends in and brings that Aussie style. But her game awareness is strong and that’s going to add a lot to their team.
PULSE
They haven’t changed much from last year. So they’re definitely going to be an experienced team with strong combinations.
Both the Tactix and Pulse had strong years last year and they’ll be building on that this season, so they’ll definitely be a team to watch. TACTIX
I’ve always thought the Tactix have a strong culture. It might have something to do with the way they’re set up and train, both on the court and in the gym, they’re at the same facility, so they have a nice home.
They’ve built from that culture and now they have a lot of talent, from players who’ve stayed and built those combinations.
STEEL
Wendy Frew missing is a massive part of their leadership and experience gone. But they’ve got players who’ve stayed on and they’ll keep doing what they’re good at.
What the Steel are known for amongst the players is being a team that doesn’t change a huge amount, but are able to execute what they do really well.
But Lenize Potgieter is a great addition for them and it gives them the option of having a tall, shorter and a moving one. So we might see some change from them this year, instead of having that massive tall shooter at the back.
AND THE WINNER? The Pulse jump out. They were so close last year, had such a good track record during the season and they have a very similar team.
Their only downfall because with it being their second year at this level, other teams will know the players and their style better if they’ve done their homework.