Wrap up

Firebirds reign, WBOP Magic fear domino effect

No dousing Queensland fire

It was a brave effort from the Mystics, but in the end there can be no debate that the Firebirds are worthy champions. Their attack did look rattled at times - especially in the second quarter - but it was always going to take a full 60 minute game from the Mystics, something which they did not look quite capable of after their efforts of the last three weeks in stunning the Swifts and overhauling the WBOP Magic. A consolation for New Zealand fans - who are still waiting for a local team to lift the ANZ Championship - is that results in that arena do not seem to directly correlate with the international game.

It takes two for Steel

It's a brave new world at the Steel, with the appointment of co-coaches Natalie Avellino and Janine Southeby. Putting two people in charge has been tried in other sports (rugby, league, football) and tends to be fine until results starts to go bad. No doubt the Southern franchise have their reasons. The first few weeks of next season will be interesting. The inside word is that several Steel players - perhaps still feeling some loyalty to deposed mentor Robyn Broughton - were not exactly elated by the announcement of the duo.

Advanced Australian fare

The Australian Diamonds preliminary 23-player squad will be named on Wednesday, to be cut down to 12 after a three day selection camp. The lucky dozen will be named at an official parliamentary reception in Canberra on Monday 30th May. In this way Norma Plummer takes a different approach to Ruth Aitken, who named her squad several weeks ago.

Grant learns loyalty

You have to admire the loyalty of Katrina Grant. The Silver Ferns dynamo has re-signed with the Pulse, despite frequent speculation that she was on her way - possibly to the Tactix - following two years near the bottom of the table. But Grant sees potential in the Pulse after their promising performances this year, loves living in Wellington and enjoys a strong relationship with Wai Taumanu, who is technical adviser at the franchise as well as being Silver Ferns assistant coach.

Watch for WBOP Magic 'dominoes'

WBOP Magic fans should have every reason to be wary of the 'domino effect'. While other franchises are on the hunt for the signatures of Casey Williams, Laura Langman and Irene van Dyk, at the moment the trio are leaning towards staying on for next season. Especially now that Noeline Taurua has recommitted for 2012; while some (particularly in the media) see her as a bit of a maverick, Taurua is very popular with the players. But - and here is the caveat - if one of the trio should leave, then suddenly the other two are vulnerable; Langman may not want to stay if Williams is no longer guarding the circle behind her, while Van dyk could look elsewhere if Langman departs.

Australian interest in Pulse job

There has been some talk of Swifts coach Julie Fitzergald being interested in the Pulse position, should she leave Sydney. Apparently Fitzgerald, who won the inaugural ANZ Championship title with the Swifts in 2008, is thinking about a new challenge after being at the helm four years, and coaching the Sydney side in the Commonwealth Bank Cup for a decade before that. But this is unlikely. Not only would Netball New Zealand frown upon an Australian being in charge but it is believed that the Pulse have already decided on Gail Parata (this year's assistant) for the top job in 2012. 

Cullen hits the heights

While there have been many youngsters making their mark in this year's ANZ Championship, none have flown higher than Mystics defender Kayla Cullen. Everyone knew about her promise she had made the New Zealand under-21 team as a 16-year-old but few thought she would blossom so fast. After three games of the season, I requested an interview with Cullen. The Mystics said no at first, then agreed though only if a team minder was present. Cullen was nervous, not just about the questions but also about being photographed with her new braces.

She admitted she was always getting into trouble for being late, and her team mates liked to joke that she made them look good. Cullen was first used at wing defence but is now starring in the circle, while long term Netball New Zealand even see her as a centre prospect. She was named in the All-Star team two weeks ago - an incredible achievement for a youngster - but the best measure of how far she has come came in the Grand Final, where the Mystics's defensive end fell apart when she was not on the court in the third quarter.

More magic from Van Dyk

Although she has claimed she will be staying in the Waikato, don't be surprised if there is more speculation surrounding the ANZ Championship future of Irene van Dyk. There are at least two other franchises very keen on luring the South African, who will turn 39 year in June, into their ranks for next season. She is fiercely loyal, but there are those who think she could be more open to a change than in previous seasons. Van Dyk is also one of the highest paid players in the competition so any prospective suitors will need to ensure they can fit her under the salary cap of $300,000.