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Their 2009 season ended with three narrow squeak wins against Pulse (twice) and Tactix, and losses by two, four and two goals respectively to the Vixens (1st), Firebirds (5th) and Steel (4th), before a disappointing 63-56 defeat at the hands of Canterbury Tactix.
In 2008 they lost five games by four goals or fewer, including a heart-breaking one-goal loss in extra time to subsequent champions NSW Swifts.
The Mystics franchise has responded aggressively, making eight player changes and recruiting three current Silver Ferns to stiffen each third of the court: shooter Maria Tutaia & defender Joline Henry from Magic, and mid-courter Larrissa Willcox from Tactix. They join Silver Ferns vice-captain Temepara George, powerful goal shoot Cathrine Latu, who was so impressive for the World 7 and Auckland Waitakere last year, Silver Ferns squad member Grace Rasmussen and Finau Pulu from last year's line-up.
Additional experience comes with Jamaican import Althea Byfield, who played for Pulse in 2009, and Jenny-May Coffin, who returns to the ANZ Championship after captaining Steel in 2008. Coach Te Aroha Keenan, a recognised mentor of talented youth, has also signed Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and Kayla Cullen, both members of last year's NZ Secondary Schools team and the current NZU21 Squad, and shooter Bailey Mes who made a good impression for Perry Foundation National 1st Grade champions Auckland Waitakere last year.
The Mystics get early opportunities in 2010 to prove once and for all they don't belong in the bottom half of the ANZ Championship table. They meet the Adelaide Thunderbirds at home in what's set to be a humdinger season opening game, Magic at home in Round 3, then Firebirds and Vixens away in the fourth and fifth Rounds. If they are in the top half of the table by Round 6, Mystics can have a real shot at the title in 2010.
Slideshow Image: Mystics captain Temepara George works hard to get the ball into the circle, under pressure from Queensland Firebirds' mid-courter Lauren Nourse. Mystics put up a staunch mid-game fightback, but lost 59-57. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)
| NORTHERN MYSTICS 2010 | |
| PLAYER Italics = new to ANZ Championship |
2009 TEAMS |
| Althea Byfield | Jamaica, Pulse |
| Kayla Cullen | NZU21, NZ SSS, Auckland Waitakere U19 & U21, Auckland Girls' Grammar |
| Jenny-May Coffin | Coached Auckland Waitakere U21 |
| Temepara George | Silver Ferns, Mystics |
| Joline Henry | Silver Ferns, Magic |
| Cathrine Latu | World 7, Mystics, Auckland Waitakere Perry Foundation National 1st Grade Player of the Tournament |
| Bailey Mes | Auckland Waitakere, Auckland Waitakere U21 |
| Finau Pulu | Mystics, North |
| Grace Rasmussen | Silver Ferns Squad, NZU21, Mystics |
| Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick | NZSS, Auckland Waitakere U19, St Cuthbert's College |
| Maria Tutaia | Silver Ferns, Magic |
| Larrissa Willcox | Silver Ferns, Tactix |