The Splice Construction Magic have retained the core of their squad for the 2023 ANZ Premiership with midcourter Charlotte Elley their one new recruit for next season.
Elley, who has notched up 96 national league matches, makes the move north after seven seasons with the Tactix where she will team up with experienced netballer Claire Kersten, Simmon Wilbore and Georgie Edgecombe in the midcourt.
The trio of Erena Mikaere, Oceane Maihi and Georgia Tong will again anchor the defensive circle while the shooting circle will be spearheaded by Silver Fern Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio, and Ivana Rowland earns a full contract having been called in this year as injury cover.
Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa said she was excited to have the same squad, with the addition of Elley, return after such a disrupted season this year.
“We’ve laid the foundations with this group of athletes and despite the stop-start nature of the 2022 season through Covid and injuries, I think we saw glimpses of what we were capable of with limited time together,” she said.
“The potential is definitely there and it’s exciting to think what we will be able to produce when we can consolidate those connections with more time as a unit.”
Araroa said the inclusion of Elley into the side would bring more experience into the midcourt with the former Netball World Youth Cup champion able to cover both wing defence and centre.
“We’ve seen over the years what a work-horse Charlotte is in the midcourt and a player who gives her all right until the last whistle. She will also bring that real netball head to the game and I’m looking forward to the different combinations we can play through the middle.”
Magic General Manager Gary Dawson said he was delighted to be able to announce their squad for next season.
“We have certainly faced our share of challenges throughout this year, but the highlight has been to see these athletes grow as a team, so it is really pleasing to have them back together again to continue that journey together,” he said.
“This Magic team knows it can weather any storm and they will be stronger for it – I can’t wait to see what they can do in 2023.”
2023 Splice Construction Magic: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Bailey Mes, Ivana Rowland, Claire Kersten, Charlotte Elley, Georgie Edgecombe, Simmon Wilbore, Oceane Maihi, Erena Mikaere, Georgia Tong.
