The champion Steel team is starting to unravel, as star defender Jane Watson goes home to rejoin the Tactix next season.
Watson’s decision to follow her heart and return to Christchurch has stripped the Steel of its star defender.
There is also a very good chance towering Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid will leave the franchise.
Australian team West Coast Fever has confirmed its interest in luring the match-winner across the Tasman.
While Fowler-Reid’s departure is still hypothetical, for now, Watson’s departure will hurt the Steel’s prospects in 2018.
The team went undefeated in the ANZ Premiership this season, stringing 16 consecutive wins together to claim the title. Watson’s ability to pick off passes and disrupt the flow of ball into the shooting circle resulted in her being her named tournament player of the year.
Steel chief executive Lana Winders was putting on a brave face when she spoke to the Otago Daily Times yesterday, but privately the franchise must be very concerned.
"We are actually pretty proud of her," Winders said.
"She came to us three years ago from the Tactix. They did not want to contract her at that point and we’ve turned her into an absolute machine.
"Of course we are going to miss her but we are just so proud of her and so proud of everything she has achieved."
Winders is confident the franchise can find the next Jane Watson, either from its current crop of development players or another diamond in the rough.
"We are backing ourselves to be able to pick up a player that we are going to be able to turn from good to great. We have a good environment and the right people in the right places."
Watson, who was born in Christchurch and played for the Tactix from 2012 to 2014 before moving south to the Steel and making the Silver Ferns in 2016, said the decision came down to lifestyle.
"I guess the main reason for me is just to be home," Watson said.
"I’ve been away for three years and it gets hard at times."
"I’ve just loved being down south with the Steel.
"The girls have been fantastic, the coaching has been great and it was honestly a really hard decision. But being home for me is quite important."
Her family and partner live in Christchurch and spending more time with them was what pulled her home.
It is potentially a risky decision in regards to her netball career. She is leaving a championship team to return to a team with a dismal record. The Tactix won just two of its 15 games this season.
"Any move you make is risky. Even staying with the Steel I might not keep improving and I might just get in a rut. You never know what is going to happen.
"Any opportunity I get I’m grateful for and going to the Tactix is another opportunity."
With the battle to retain Watson lost, Winders is employing a "full-court press" to keep Fowler-Reid.
However, Winders did not sound terribly confident.
"Ooooh, well, she is another hot target. Obviously, we dearly want to hold on to J and will be doing our best and putting our best foot forward."
