Five new faces for AVIS Magic in 2024

Reappointed for a third term as head coach, Mary-Jane Araroa has retained a solid core while unveiling key new additions to the AVIS Magic line-up for the 2024 ANZ Premiership netball league.

Returning to Magic is shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio, fellow shooter Ivana Rowland, midcourter Georgie Edgecombe and defenders Georgia Takarangi and Erena Mikaere.

Rising young shooting talent Saviour Tui and durable midcourter Claire O’Brien are notable gains through their experience at the top level while defender Oceane Maihi makes a return to the line-up after missing this season with a serious knee injury.

Midcourter Ali Wilshier returns to her home Zone after a season with team Bath this year while this season midcourt training partner Reeghan de Bono makes the step up to fulltime player in the elite ranks.
 
Born in Australia but with strong New Zealand connections and well-versed with play on this side of the Tasman after previously featuring with the Mystics, O’Brien is an experienced, and well-performed midcourter. The mobile Maihi adds valuable options at the defence end while former Waikato Bay of Plenty National Netball League captain and player of the year, Wilshier will be relishing her chance of another crack at the top level after previously turning out for the Steel. 

De Bono has a strong sporting pedigree. Also born in Australia but moving back to New Zealand where her family has a long history with Netball Bay of Plenty, the talented midcourter has made her mark across several representative teams in the region. She has been part of the Aotearoa Māori Netball squad, the NZ Secondary Schools development camp and was identified as a New Zealand U21 player while also turning out for Waikato Bay of Plenty in the Synergy Hair Netball League.

AVIS Magic General Manager Justine Dixon said she was delighted to be able to confirm both their coach appointment and squad for next season.

“We are thrilled to have Mary-Jane appointed once again as Head coach and have worked with her to put together an exciting playing roster for 2024,” she said.

AVIS Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa said was pleased to retain a core of this years side and excited to see what the new combinations could offer.

"I’m delighted with the balance and mix of the team we’ve been able to put together," Araroa said.

"Retaining the services and experience that Ameliaranne provides at one end and the defensive duo of Georgia and Erena at the other brings a really settled element to both ends.

"To cap that off, we have the exciting new additions of Saviour and Claire, who will add a new dynamic to their respective areas along with some young guns ready to take their opportunity. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to working with this group and taking it to the next level."
 
AVIS Magic team 2024:

Reeghan de Bono, Georgie Edgecombe, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Oceane Maihi, Erena Mikaere, Claire O’Brien, Ivana Rowland, Georgia Takarangi, Saviour Tui, Ali Wilshier.