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ANZ squads revealed

ANZ squads revealed

11/02/2011 07:42:56 PM

The return of dual international Donna Wilkins to the Southern Steel is one of 43 changes to sides after announcing the squads for the 2012 ANZ Championship.

Wilkins' inclusion with New Zealand's most southern netball franchise is one of eight changes to the Steel, who have lost coach Robyn Broughton, Natasha Chokljat, Leana de Bruin, Liana Leota as well as a further five players.

It's bad news for former Silver Ferns goalshoot Daneka Wipiiti, who was dropped from the Steel and hasn't been picked up by another ANZ Championship side.

Spare a thought, too, for the Central Pulse's defensive lynchpin last season, Cushla Lichtwark and Bay of Plenty Magic pair Jodi Tod and Francis Solia. The trio will be resigned to watching the ANZ Championship from home after missing out on contracts this season.

The Canterbury Tactix will be looking to push for the playoffs this season with the signing of two Englishwomen: Jo Hartern and Stacey Francis as well as two other Kiwi imports. Both Harten and Francis bring experience, something the Tactix will desperately need in the shooting circle after losing Wilkins to the Steel.

Of all of the teams in the New Zealand conference, the Central Pulse look to be the team who has made the best signings. While signing Silver Ferns shooter Paula Griffin with Jamilah Gupwell and Joline Henry were significant signings, the signature that tops them all is coach Robyn Broughton, who comes in at the expense of the Steel.

If she isn't able to improve the Pulse's traditionally underperforming outfit, then warning signs should go off with all of the region's netball supporters.

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic - who have released four players, with three not receiving another contract - have added to their core of Silver Ferns stars by signing last year's joint ANZ Championship Player of the Tournament, defender Leana de Bruin. De Bruin returns to the Magic from the Steel and will help shore up a stable team looking for their first championship crown.

The English revolution continues at the Northern Mystics with the signing of goalshoot Jade Clarke. The Englishwoman - who captained her country in the recent New Zealand and Australia series - should provide some healthy competition for the two Silver Ferns in the attacking circle for the Mystics - Cathrine Latu and Maria Tutaia.

But while their attacking circle looks healthy, the Mystics' defensive end - marred by the loss of Joline Henry to the Pulse - will be tested this season.

In the Australian teams the West Coast Fever has made the most changes - six - with key signings including former Sydney Swifts shooter Catherine Cox, Englishwoman Eboni Beckford-Chambers and former Australia coach Norma Plummer.

The Swifts have made five changes, with former Adelaide Thunderbirds star Joanna Sutton the only experienced player pulling on the Sydneysiders' uniform from the newcomers.

The Melbourne Vixens and Queensland Firebirds have both only made two changes, while the Adelaide Thunderbirds have been granted until November 25 to sign their final player.

ANZ Championship 2012 squads:
Adelaide Thunderbirds (one to be added): Emily Beaton, Erin Bell, Carla Borrego, Rebecca Bulley, Renae Hallinan, Cody Lange, Sharni Layton, Madeline Proud, Melissa Rowland, Kate Shimmin, Natalie von Bertouch.

Northern Mystics: Jade Clarke, Kayla Cullen, Temepara Geroge, Charlotte Kight, Cathrine Latu, Bailey Mes, Jessica Moulds, Grace Rasmussen, Anna Scarlett, Maria Tutaia, Portia Woodman.

Waikato/BOP Magic: Leana de

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images
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