World 7 netball team lynchpin Megan Dehn has re-signed with the Southern Steel for next year's trans-Tasman league.
Goal attack Dehn has played a pivotal role as the composite team of current internationals and former stars has racked up two wins over the Silver Ferns in a three-test series which concludes in Auckland tomorrow.
Sydney-based Dehn has donned Steel colours for the past two seasons, but is regarded as an ineligible player and her inclusion is still subject to Netball New Zealand approval.
She played a full season in 2008 and, after being initially denied approval to play in 2009, was rushed in to cover for pregnant shooter Daneka Wipiiti for the final three rounds and the playoffs.
Dehn said other New Zealand franchises had tried to lure her following the ANZ Championship's conclusion.
"It's always flattering but I don't play for money - you have to play somewhere you're going to enjoy it," she said.
"I knew if I was going to play again it would be for the Steel. It was just a question of deciding to put my body through it for another year."
Dehn, who turns 35 in November, has been in exceptional form recently, with her astuteness on attack a huge asset.
"I still just feel like I'm playing my normal game - I'm really enjoying my netball at the moment and I guess that shows," she said.
The Steel have retained the core of their team which made the ANZ Championship playoffs this year.
Wipiiti, Julianna Naoupu, Wendy Telfer, Liana Barrett-Chase, Erika Burgess, Sheryl Scanlan and Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit have all re-committed to the Steel for 2010.
"So many of the girls coming back was definitely a factor in my decision - knowing that you enjoy the off-court environment helps your netball as well," said Dehn, who earned 20 test caps for Australia.
"I feel very comfortable over here - I just love the vibe. It's laid-back and relaxed like I am."
Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said negotiations were continuing with other players to fill the remaining four spots in the Steel ranks.
