Despite the uncertainty surrounding their playing roster, shooter Irene van Dyk is confident the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic can deliver a winning result in Sunday's ANZ Championship netball preliminary final.
The unavailability of pregnant defender Leana de Bruin, doubt over wing attack Frances Solia's fitness and the loss to injury of attacker Halana Leith has left the Magic's resources stretched.... and it's meant a last-minute scramble to assemble a mix capable of mustering a decent challenge against an imposing Adelaide Thunderbirds at Mystery Creek.
Heavy losses to the Thunderbirds and minor premiers Melbourne Vixens in the last two weeks have cast the Magic firmly in the underdog category as they look to cement their place in the final for the second successive year on Sunday.
Regardless of whether coach Noeline Taurua drafts in a replacement player to bolster the ranks, she still has the comfort of a five-pronged Silver Ferns arsenal to lead the charge.
Magic co-captain van Dyk says the Thunderbirds are not unbeatable, shooting-wise they have to be very accurate, while the defenders have to cut down on the penalties and eliminate the free shots to the opposition shooters.
The home factor has proved pivotal in this competition and after playing their last three games across the Tasman, the Magic are relishing the opportunity of having 3 and a hald thousand noisy supporters on their side.
Sunday's winner will play the Vixens in the grand final in Melbourne next weekend.
