The Splice Construction Magic has welcomed two ANZ Premiership Grand Finalists into their ranks for 2020 along with two talented home-grown defenders.
Head coach Amigene Metcalfe has confirmed her squad for next year’s ANZ Premiership which includes newcomers Whitney Souness, Holly Fowler, Erena Mikaere and Georgia Tong.
Midcourt general Sam Sinclair will suit up for her seventh season in the Magic strip alongside Monica Falkner, Ariana Cable-Dixon, Jenna O’Sullivan, Abigail Latu-Meafou and shooter Kelsey McPhee, who had a stand-out rookie season.
Tong has been elevated to the ANZ Premiership side as reward for her performances in the Beko Netball League where she helped the Waikato team reach its second straight Grand Final.
But it is the inclusion of midcourter Souness (Central Pulse) along with defenders Fowler (Northern Stars) and Mikaere (Northern Mystics) which brings a new dynamic to the Magic side.
Metcalfe said it was exciting to welcome defender Mikaere back into the Magic fold having played for the club when they won the former trans-Tasman competition in 2012.
The 1.92m defender, who was born in Rotorua and is returning to be close to family, was also part of the Sunshine Coast Lightning team which won back-to-back Suncorp Super Netball titles in Australia.
“Erena obviously brings height into that defensive circle but she also brings that experience of having been a part of a winning culture with the Magic and Lightning,” Metcalfe said.
“Both Whitney and Holly add something exciting to the midcourt and defense and also bring that winning mindset having been played in this year’s ANZ Premiership final.”
Mikaere was looking forward to the opportunity to move home and be closer to family.
“I am really excited to come back home, where it all started and wear the Magic dress. I have fond memories of Magic both as a player where I was part of the 2012 squad that won the ANZ Championship and growing up watching the likes of Amigene play,” Mikaere said.
“Mary-Jane has been hugely influential in my development as a player and a person so to reconnect with her in the Magic environment is something I am really looking forward to. My family, friends and loyal supporters are tuturu Magic supporters so I think they'll be as excited as I am to return to Magic after playing for rival clubs.”
Fowler is looking to build on her career after several seasons with the Northern Stars.
“I hope to build my skills off the players and coaching staff at the Magic in 2020 while bringing my own flair from what I’ve learnt in previous teams. I can’t wait to give it my all and go all the way with the Magic,” said Fowler.
Souness, who was part of the ANZ Premiership-winning Central Pulse side, said she felt the time was right to challenge herself in a new environment.
“I’m really looking forward to my time with the Magic and continuing to grow as a netballer,” she said.
“I’m ready to embrace some new challenges in my life both on and off court and I’m excited about the team dynamic that the Magic has.”
Metcalfe said it was also great to again see the focus on the talent coming through our WBOP Beko Netball League programme following the success of McPhee in her first ANZ Premiership season.
“Kelsey had a debut season that just went from strength to strength and we look forward to seeing how she can back that up next year,” she said.
“Georgia is another who has progressed through the ranks and consistently proved herself at the Beko level. It’s exciting to see what she can achieve in the ANZ Premiership.”
2020 Splice Construction Magic: Sam Sinclair, Monica Falkner, Kelsey McPhee, Ariana Cable-Dixon, Erena Mikaere, Whitney Souness, Holly Fowler, Abigail Latu-Meafou, Jenna O’Sullivan, Georgia Tong.
