By Ashlee Tulloch.
After a disastrous start to the season, the Magic have won six straight matches and currently sit fifth on the table. But to get in to the finals they need to win their last three games, starting with the Mystics.
“I really do think we’re ready for it,” says Magic goal shoot Irene Van Dyke. “In that team is a lot of our friends as well so it’s not only going to be the game, it’s going to be emotions running high – there’s going to be friends competing against friends so it’s a massive game for the players and I think it is going to be a beautiful spectacle.”
And although the pressure has mounted, it's is nothing new for the Magic.
“We knew right from what feels like two months ago that if we lost a game we could be out so every game has been a big game for us,“ says Magic coach Noeline Taurua.
But the Mystics are well aware of what’s coming their way.
“When Magic have their backs up against the wall they always come out firing so we’ve got to make sure we have a good start – we can’t afford to play catch up netball against a classy side like them,” says Mystics goal attack Maria Tutaia.
Irene van Dyk's shooting ability has never doubted, but will she be ready for the Harrison hoist?
“I think there are different ways of exploiting it, we’ve explored a few so hopefully they come off,” But that's if the move comes out.
“We knew that was never going to be a massive part of the game, but in terms of trying to get over the shooter’s head and defending the shots, that’s always looking to be part of our game,” says Mystic goal keep Anna Harrison.
And if the Magic can combat it, there could be more of this come Sunday night.
3 News