Netball: No let up for Magic as playoffs loom
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic may already have done enough to make it to the play-offs but they're not taking it for granted.
They will be approaching tonight's match against Queensland Firebirds, their final ANZ Championship round robin game, as they have every other - a must-win.
Coach Noeline Taurua said Magic weren't keen to leave it to chance, despite leading the competition in the all-important goal differential statistics which may come into play.
"We're way above everybody on that but you never know - You can never just take it for granted," Taurua said.
Last year's competition winners, Firebirds have never lost a game on New Zealand soil under coach Roselee Jencke but have had a somewhat mixed season in 2012 with seven wins and five losses to-date.
Magic, after a stuttering start to the competition are now definitely in the zone, building on every game and producing some superb performances.
"We do feel we are aligning as a team and everybody is playing their role and that's huge, there are no gaps ... there's nobody to carry," Taurua said.
Magic have improved to the point where they are now the team to beat so for Taurua, the excitement is building as the play-offs loom.
"It's been exciting to see it all come together," Taurua said ahead of tonight's match at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton.
"Every week there's been improvement. It's been slow but it's been like a journey and the performance against Thunderbirds last week is probably the best I've seen from them, both as individuals and as a team. I'm really proud of the final product they put out on court," Taurua said.
"The whole team were really in the zone. But I don't expect things will be the same against Firebirds. They're not going to roll over and we have to be prepared to work hard and keep the structure and discipline; focus on what we want to achieve."
Structure, discipline and focus have been key to Magic's eight-match winning streak. They turned a corner when they beat Kiwi favourites Northern Mystics and were in outstanding winning form when they thrashed top-of-the-table Adelaide Thunderbirds last week.
It was a true team effort, a game when everything came together and Magic lived up to their name.
"They were in the zone and you can't coach or plan that, it just happens - it was beautiful to watch," said Taurua.
Breaking down Firebirds' strong shooting combination will be one area Magic will target.
"Even though Firebirds are in a bit of a predicament with the losses they've had, the last five games we've seen glimpses of their 2011 form."
Firebirds' downfall has been putting together four consistent quarters and Magic will be doing everything they can to disrupt the visiting team but as Taurua concedes, they are dangerous.
"They will be desperate for a win ... "
However, the prospect holds no fear for Magic.
"We're in a good space We're valuing the time we have together and every week are making sure we've done everything possible.
"We have this one more game before the play-offs and we want to make it the best we can put out there," said Taurua.
