Northern Mystics is making minimal changes to its premiership-winning shooting circle, signing Grace Nweke and Filda Vui again for season 2022.

There were no surprises with that announcement, however, the Mystics will now miss long-standing player Bailey Mes.

Mes will be moving to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic to gain more court time and link up with familiar Silver Ferns teammate Ameliaranne Ekenasio (who left Pulse).

The departure of Mes allows space for shooting star Monica Falkner to step in.

With Commonwealth Games fast approaching next year, Falkner will be want to create a strong connection in the shooting circle with Nweke and push for a full-time position in the Silver Ferns.

Nine athletes have been named with only one spot to be announced for WBOP Magic.

Speculation is rife that a potential Australian wing attack could fill the final spot.

The core players of Sam Sinclair, Georgia Tong, Georgie Edgecombe, Erena Mikaere, and Khiarna Williams will remain in the team for next year.

Experienced midcourter Claire Kersten joins from the Pulse and athletic defender Oceane Maihi will move south from the Stars.

For the Pulse, the club has signed 17-year-old shooter Amelia Walmsley to her first contracted position in the ANZ Premiership.

Standing at 192cm tall, Walmsley is a solid target and doesn’t shy away from going to post.

Moving to the Pulse will mean Temalisi Fakahokotau will play for her fourth franchise in New Zealand.

With years of experience, it’s easy to forget that Fakahokotau is only 26 years old.

The strong and dominating defender will be looking to get back to full potential under the tutelage of coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.

Familiar players Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon and Paris Lokotui will be returning to the pulse for another season. Tall timber Kelly Jury will provide height in the defensive end for another year.

Steel:

George Fisher
Sarahpheina Woulff
Te Huinga Selby Rickitt

INS:
+ Kate Burley
+ Saviour Tui

OUTS:
-Tiana Metuerau

Pulse:

Aaliyah Dunn
Tiana Metuerau
Whitney Souness
Maddy Gordon
Paris Lokotui
Kelly Jury

INS
+ Amelia Walmesley
+ Temalisi Fakahokotau

OUTS
-Ameliaranne Ekenasio
-Kelera Nawai-Caucau
-Claire Kersten

Mystics:

Grace Nweke
Gilda Vui
Elisapeta Toeava
Tayla Earle
Fa’amu Ioane
Claire O’Brien (elevated from training partner)
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Phoenix Karaka (back from having a baby)
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (back from injury)

INS
+ Monica Falkner

OUTS:
-Kate Burley
-Saviour Tui
-Ama Agbeze
-Bailey Mes

Magic:

Khiarna Williams
Samantha Sinclair
Georgie Edgecombe
Georgia Tong
Erena Mikaere

INS
+ Ameliaranne Ekenasio
+ Claire Kersten
+ Bailey Mes
+ Oceane Maihi

OUTS
-Caitlin Bassett
-Chiara Semple
-Tori Kolose
-Holly Fowler
-Grace Kara

Stars:

INS: TBA

OUTS:
-Monica Falkner
-Oceane Maihi

Tactix:

Ellie Bird
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Samon Nathan
Kimiora Poi
Charlotte Elley
Karin Burger
Jane Watson

INS
+ Kelera Nawai-Caucau

OUTS
-Jess Prosser
-Erikana Pederson
-Sophia Fenwick