MATCH PREVIEW: (Round 12) MYSTICS v MAGIC

TEAMS NEWS:

The SKYCITY Mystics are giving themselves every opportunity to make the Premiership Finals Series after claiming the Barfoot & Thompson Northern Challenge spoils and large dollop of confidence with it. But they must continue their roll if they are to stay in the hunt for a top three spot and they are up against a Waikato-BOP Magic with nothing to lose.

Captain Anna Harrison is pleased with her team’s form at this stage of the season but is warning the Mystics not to look too far ahead.

“You can’t think about the outcomes,” she said after their win over the Northern Stars.

“For me personally, it’s game by game and you’ve got to play it like it’s your last.”

The Mystics have been boosted with the return of Silver Fern Maria Folau who hasn’t taken long to reconnect with fellow shooter Bailey Mes. That combination and their links with dynamic wing Elisapeta Toeava will be key if the Mystics are to extend their season.

The Magic could still have a say in the mix of the top three teams vying for the Finals Series with this game against the Mystics and then against the Silvermoon Tactix in the last round. Finishing their campaign on high will be a focus.

WHO TO WATCH:

Samon Nathan (Mystics) – provided a strong link from defence through to attack during Super Sunday and after a few injury niggles is finding form at the right time of the season. Also delivered some quality ball to her shooters.

Katherine Levien (Magic) versus Maria Folau (Mystics) – injury has robbed the Magic of its big name players and experience. Levien is filling the big shoes of Casey Kopua and could face her biggest test yet against Folau.

Monica Falkner (Magic) – the young goal attack has a strong connection with Lenize Potgieter and is not afraid to shoot from range. Another tough match-up against a strong Mystics defence.