Tactix lock in nine for next season

The Mainland Tactix fought off strong interest from their Auckland rivals to retain Silver Ferns defender Temalisi Fakahokotau.

Fakahokotau will return for a third season with the side after enjoying her finest year in the elite ranks.

The Tactix are well placed to build on their most successful campaign in the club’s 11-year history, where they made the finals for the first time and played in last Friday’s Super Club final, losing to the Central Pulse.

They have re-signed eight players and added Ashburtonraised defender Kate Lloyd, who was with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic this season.

Members of this year’s Tactix squad to recommit for 2019 are: shooters Ellie Bird, Brooke Leaver, and Kate Beveridge, as well as midcourters Kimiora Poi, Erikana Pedersen, and Charlotte Elley. Captain and recalled Silver Ferns defender Jane Watson is also back, as is Fakahokotau.

Fakahokotau’s confirmation is a huge boost for the Tactix after a standout campaign, where she topped all of the national premiership’s key defensive categories, and was arguably the best player in the competition.

The 22-cap Silver Fern, who hails from the North Shore, is understood to have attracted offers from Auckland-based sides, the Mystics and Stars. She opted to remain in Christchurch, where she has been a revelation for the Tactix over the past two years and revived her career, becoming one of the country’s premier defenders.

Experienced Tactix defenders Jess Maclennan and Zoe Walker weren’t considered for contracts as they continue their recovery from long-term knee injuries.

With the national premiership starting earlier next year on February 24 because of July’s Netball World Cup, the turnaround in time was too tight for the duo. The Tactix squad report for pre-season on November 19.

Tactix squad for 2019 (one to be added): Shooters: Ellie Bird, Brooke