2023 Season Preview: Magic

Retaining the core of a squad stacked with proven performers is a key driver in enhancing the fortunes of Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in 2023.

Magic have fallen on challenging times in recent years but there is an air of confidence that with strong depth in all thirds of the court, there’s enough potency to offer a competitive package this season.

“I absolutely do feel that we have a team that can produce some really good performances this year,” Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa said.

“We can never underestimate what the retention of players brings to any culture and if you look around the ANZ, the spine is evident in every franchise. We’ve had to re-develop that at the Magic and worked really hard in that area.

“We now feel that we’ve got that spine together and I feel a lot more confident this year in how we’re tracking and the shift that everyone has made.”

Shooters Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Bailey Mes, midcourter Claire Kersten and defender Erena Mikaere remain the cornerstones, the recruitment of hard-working midcourter Charlotte Elley in the off-season being a more than handy bonus.

With the loss of long-serving midcourter Sam Winders to the Steel, the major change for the Magic is  her replacement in the form of the equally long-serving and like-minded Elley. With 98 games under her belt for the Tactix, Elley adds to the experience factor and the Magic couldn’t have asked for a better replacement.

Amy Christophers has also been called into the squad as a late replacement after promising defender Oceane Maihi suffered a season-ending injury.

“Experience and the retention of the bulk of our squad is a massive advantage for us,” Araroa said.

“The players seem a lot more settled this year because they know what to expect, especially those who came from franchises that they belonged to for many years. Change is always quite a difficult thing to transition into but I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve managed to just pick up the tools and go forward.

“Charlotte has just come in so smoothly and it’s almost like she’s been with us for years. Her character is a can-do attitude, she brings lots of energy and is willing to come in and try and add to her game while adding value to what is already in place. She’s done that already in a very short time and we enjoy having her in our environment.”

The coach is more than happy with the progress of the less experienced trio of shooter Ivana Rowland, and midcourters Georgie Edgecombe and Simmon Wilbore.

“It’s always interesting when you have players transitioning from development to that professional level, but what we’ve seen in the pre-season is a definite shift from them, both physically and mentally and a real readiness that they know what they’re in for,” Araroa said.

“I’ve been really pleased with the shift that they’ve made and I do feel that they’re ready for it now.”

Edgecombe, in particular, had a challenging 2022 after transitioning from wing defence to wing attack but her mental resilience to persevere and learn left Araroa impressed.

It is hoped centre will be added to Edgecombe’s repertoire in 2023, so in time she will be able to cover all three midcourt positions.