THE OIL
The Northern Mystics have only dealt in premierships under coach Tia Winikerei. Winikerei has won two titles — the only other coach to win first up was Georgie Salter with the Otago Rebels in 1998 — and the Mystics are on the hunt for their third consecutive title in front of their home crowd.
They had the week off as the top seed with nine wins, and one loss, to advance straight to the final. The Mystics have laid the platform for much of the season.
They meet the Mainland Tactix, who are coming in off a strong second-half effort to dispatch the Central Pulse 57-52 in the elimination final last week.
New coach Donna Wilkins has led the Tactix nicely to the regular season second with seven wins and three losses.
HEAD TO HEAD
One a piece this season. The Tactix handed the Mystics their only loss of the season with a 61-50 victory against the Aucklanders back in round four. But the Mystics responded and ran away with a 70-56 victory — without a two-pointer — against the Tactix in round 10. That game gave the Mystics’ hosting rights for the final and ensured the Tactix had to play in the elimination final.
MYSTICS
The Mystics have a 100% success rate from their final appearances. You know what you are going to get — Peta Toeava dominating the midcourt, flinging in rapid-fire feeds to shooter Donnell Wallam and Catherine Hall hunting for ball at any chance. Toeava leads the competition for feeds (408) and sixth for centre pass receives (172), while Hall is having a breakout year leading the league for intercepts (24), second for deflections (60) and third for defensive rebounds (16). Underrated captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson has the ability to tag her opponent, and grind them down, which will be all important if she starts at goal defence. Filda Vui has been a revelation and the two-point shot has suited the goal attack, one of the most accurate from distance.
TACTIX
The Tactix have gone back to playing smart and simple netball — and it has paid dividends with their first appearance in the final since 2021. Ellie Bird has been one of the most accurate shooters from the one-point range. Martina Salmon has come off the bench, but still had a big volume. Te Paea Selby-Rickit has had another strong season and is second in the league for centre pass receives (243) and captain Erikana Pedersen sometimes flies under the radar for her work rate but sits fifth for centre pass receives (173) and feeds (343). Karin Burger showed her class when she moved back to goal defence last week and picked up a heap of ball to help the Tactix through. Her connection with the effervescent Jane Watson has been a pillar for years.
KEY MATCH-UPS
The game will be won at either end of the court. If Bird can hold strong and they eliminate the threat of Hall, the the Tactix should get on a roll. At the other end, if Wallam can find the body of Watson and stay strong, the Mystics should get home.
HODGE’S PICK
Heart says Tactix, head says Mystics. Bring it back south, Tactix.
