Returning
The good news is the best shooter in the competition will return. Jamaican international Jhaniele Fowler-Reid signed a two-year deal at the end of last season and is the only confirmed player for 2015. That is far from unusual. One-year deals are the norm in netball.
The scramble for players begins two days after the grand final, but the teams are allowed to negotiate with their own players long before that. While the Steel will be disappointed not to feature in the playoffs, there is a feeling within the camp that results are heading in the right direction and it is unlikely the 2015 squad will differ much at all from this year's team.
Core
Put Jodi Brown's name down in ink. There is no suggestion the 33-year-old is about to retire or reason to believe the Steel skipper will pop up anywhere else. She has played for the Magic and the Tactix but is settled in Dunedin. She appears fitter than at any other time in her career and the veteran is still playing excellent netball. Her combination with Fowler-Reid is an asset for the Steel.
Wing attack Shannon Francois is a keeper. She will just continue to get better and just the type of player the Steel can expect to rely on for years to come.
Phillipa Finch is a very similar player to Frew, perhaps too similar. It is a solid rather than spectacular midcourt and the Steel could do with some more height in there. But that is probably the trio the franchise will stick with.
Likely
Defender Storm Purvis made her debut for the Steel in 2012 and has been unable to cement a starting spot. But she has performed strongly in her last two outings and, along with Phoenix Karaka, shapes as a player the Steel will be keen to retain. Back-up midcourters Gina Crampton and Stacey Peeters both looked comfortable competing in the ANZ Championship. They come cheap and perhaps do not have a lot of playing opportunities elsewhere. For that reason, the Steel will probably look to renew their contracts. If the pair stay loyal to the franchise, they are certain to see more court time next year.
Wavering
Karaka is viewed by many as a future star, which makes the transplanted Aucklander a target. Perhaps the defender could be lured home by the Mystics for the opportunity to play in tandem with Anna Harrison. It is unlikely the Steel will let her go without offering some resistance. The franchise has spent two years nurturing her talent and will be hoping she anchors the defensive effort for a few years yet. Her combination with Purvis appears to be developing nicely.
Fellow defender Erena Mikaere has had precious few opportunities but has impressed when she has got on court. Her extra height (1.93m) means she is a logical choice to start when the Steel is up against a lanky shooter like Caitlin Bassett or Romelda Aiken. The franchise, though, does not appear to be completely won over by her ability. She is unlikely to be a high priority when assembling next year's playing roster.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit has served a lengthy apprenticeship. The Steel back-up shooter does all the training but, as long as Fowler-Reid is in the squad, her opportunities will be limited. A shift would make sense for her. She would certainly get more game time at the Tactix, or even the Magic, where she would be competing with Ellen Halpenny.
Chopping block
The Steel's defence has been insipid this season and Rachel Rasmussen shapes as the most likely causality. The experienced defender was good value last season but she has struggled to make an impact this year. She was relegated to the bench for the stunning win against the Magic. Whether she returns next season or not will depend on who the Steel can find to replace her. The mostly likely candidate shapes as Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.
New recruit
Selby-Rickit spent four years with the franchise before defecting to the Pulse in 2012. The Steel is desperate to bolster its defence and the options are limited. Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin are both on the wish list but seem settled at the Magic. Harrison is unlikely to move from the Mystics. Katrina Grant, from all accounts, enjoys life in Wellington. That leaves Selby-Rickit. She is the next best available non-restricted player and might be enticed south, particularly if her longtime coach Robyn Broughton retires.
