Monday set for Magic Milestones
Monday night's Cold Power Magic home game against the defending champion Queensland Firebirds is already a huge match, but some key milestones should further add to the occasion.
Provided she's fit to play, after leaving Sunday's Steel game with some calf irritation, Grace Rasmussen will play her 100th ANZ Championship match.Cold Power Magic captain Leana de Bruin says she knew Grace had exceptional ability from the first time their paths crossed.
"I remember playing against her and she was a goal attack and all I can remember is 'man, this girl is super fast'.
"She also found space you didn't even think was there."
de Bruin says this speed and vision, along with an ability to put shooters into such great positions are Grace's biggest strengths. Having reached the 100 ANZ Championship game milestone herself last year, de Bruin says it's something to reflect positively on, and even more so now that the Trans-Tasman competition is set to end.
"Not that many people reach the (100 ANZ Championship games) milestone and there won't be anymore ANZ Champs after this year, so it's really special and I think as you get older you can look back on the achievement with real pride."
Another member of the Cold Power Magic to celebrate 100 games on Monday will be coach Julie Fitzgerald. de Bruin credits Fitzgerald for revitalising her in the twilight of her playing career.
"Julie's knowledge of the game is amazing and she's so passionate too.
"She's brought something different to the New Zealand style of play and is great at providing tools to improve how we play.
"For me personally she's really helped my man-on-man defence and her belief in me to move from goal keeper to goal defence has really refreshed things for me.
"Thanks to her I've found a new love for the game again just by that move."
And if these milestones weren't enough, Cold Power Magic shooter Ellen Halpenny will play her 50th game for the Magic if she takes the court. It will be her 86th ANZ Championship game in total.
Centre pass for Monday night's game at Claudelands Arena will be 7:40pm – get along for the special occasion. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek or at the door on the night.
