MATCH PREVIEW: (Round 13) MAGIC v TACTIX

TEAM NEWS:

Winning big will be on the minds of the Silvermoon Tactix, but nothing short of a win will do for the team from Mainland if they are to stay in the hunt for an Elimination Final. Form suggests the Tactix should come away with maximum points from their match-up with the Waikato-BOP Magic. But the Magic will be playing for pride in front of a home crowd in what is their last game of an injury-ravaged campaign.

The ledger also sits in favour with the hosts having beaten the Tactix 55-48 in their Round 5 clash and again in Round 6 by just a single goal. But that was with captain Casey Kopua in their playing ranks and since her loss through injury, the Magic has struggled.

Stand-in captain Sam Sinclair said the “heart” was still strong within the Magic unit and they have plenty to play for in their season finale. Shutting down Tactix star shooter Ellie Bird will be key for the Magic and penetrating the stand-out circle defensive duo of Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson will be another area to watch. Sinclair’s battle with Tactix centre Kimiora Poi should provide plenty of speed and spark through the middle.

WHO TO WATCH:

Ellie Bird (Tactix) – the Tactix scoring machine struggled with her radar the last time she played the Magic but has since turned her season around with some strong outings. A key figure if the Tactix are to progress.

Jane Watson (Tactix) versus Monica Falkner (Magic) – the new Tactix captain has gone from strength to strength in her new role as goal defence and leader. Her combination with Temalisi Fakahokotau is arguably the best in the league and will be a huge challenge for Falkner.

Lenize Potgieter (Magic) – is such a key player for the Magic. Leads the ANZ Premiership for accuracy in the shooting circle and is third in volume of goals this season, behind Maia Wilson and Jen O’Connell.