Tactix named to build on successful season

The Mainland Tactix will suit up for the 2019 ANZ Premiership season with the core of the squad which made history for the franchise this year.

The Mainland Tactix have re-signed a core group of eight players for the new season including the stand-out defensive pairing of Silver Ferns Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson.

The shooting trio of Ellie Bird, Brooke Leaver and Australian import Kate Beveridge are all back as well as mid-courters Kimiora Poi, Erikana Pedersen and Charlotte Elley.

It was a record setting season for the Tactix this year as they reached the ANZ Premiership Finals Series for the first time and also the international Super Club final.

Coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek said she was pleased to see that players were recognising the great culture, support services and High Performance environment in the Mainland.

“It’s such a good mix – we have some experienced heads in there with some exciting young talent,” she said.

“The team had an awesome ANZ Premiership season and we are now in a position to build on this in 2019, which is exciting for the coaching team, players and our loyal supporters.”

New signings for next year are Ashburton-born defender and New Zealand Under-21 World Youth Cup winner, Kate Lloyd, and Lily Marshall who has come through the Netball Mainland player development pathway.

They join a strong defensive end which includes Fakahokotau and Watson who were ranked as one of the best units in this year’s ANZ Premiership.

Poi, who made the Silver Ferns Development Squad, FAST5 Ferns and New Zealand A team, flourished in the Tactix environment in her first full ANZ Premiership season, while Bird was a stand-out in the shooting circle netting a record 541 goals.

Former Australian Diamond, Kate Beveridge, will return for her second season in Tactix colours to bring plenty of experience to the shooting circle.

Missing from this year’s squad are defenders Jess MacLennan and Zoe Walker who were not considered as they continue their rehab from injury.

The Tactix’ opening game is against the Magic in Hamilton on February 24, with the ANZ Premiership starting earlier in the year due to July’s Netball World Cup in England.

Mainland Tactix 2019 ANZ Premiership roster:

Kate Beveridge
Ellie Bird
Charlotte Elley
Temalisi Fakahokotau
Brooke Leaver
Kate Lloyd
Lily Marshall
Erikana Pedersen
Kimiora Poi
Jane Watson

Head Coach: Marianne Delaney-Hoshek

Assistant Coach: Julie Seymour