Splice Construction Magic shooter Bailey Mes can confirm ‘that goal’ in Round 4 was definitely a shot at goal.
With just 22 seconds left in the game Mes managed to pull in a rebound while falling out of court and get a miraculous shot up with her back to the court, drawing her side level with the Pulse.
“I didn’t know where anyone else was in the circle but I always know where the hoop is,” said Mes.
Silver Fern #150 Mes is loving her time with new Magic teammates this season after making the shift from the Mystics.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and the change has been really cool for me,” said Mes, who has played over 100 games at ANZ Premiership level as well as 72 caps for the Silver Ferns.
The opportunity to play for the Magic was the right timing for Mes who wanted to turn around a disappointing 2021 season due to injury.
“I had a really good off season and it’s been a good chance to refresh and get my body right.”
Mes recently was able to purchase her first home with friend and fellow netballer Hayley Saunders in Papamoa.
Living by the beach with her Magic and Silver Fern teammate Claire Kersten as well as All Black Sevens Player, Rhodes Featherstone, Mes appreciates that all three housemates understand the athlete life.
“Hayley just lives round the road and it’s so nice to have had a few friends in the Bay already who are involved in sport.”
Moving to the Bay of Plenty, Mes is able to continue her work for Sky TV in the Sports Imagery Team remotely around her netball commitments.
She said 2021 was tough for her and really keen to focus on one game at a time rather than looking too far ahead.
“My main goal for the season to get my body back into a good place and enjoy netball again.”
As a member of the Magic leadership group Mes is loving being able to use her experience to help guide the team especially helping mentor other shooters Ivana Rowland and Martina Reekers.
“We have a lot of leaders in the team and everyone has had to step up this season already.”
She admits it’s been a challenge for the Magic having to shuffle the team with Covid disruptions but also says how awesome it was to play with the likes of Saunders and Leana de Bruin last weekend.
“Things aren’t smooth sailing but we’re here to do a job. We all appreciate so much the fact that we can still play.”
Here’s hoping we see some more Mes magic on court in Round 6.
