The Dunedin premier club competition begins this weekend and defending champion Southern Magpies is looking for its fourth premiership title in a row.
The Magpies have promoted two players, Nicole Meikle and Zoey Flockton, from their Tui team, while the ever-present defensive combination of Tessa Bekkers and Celina Ledgard will provide stability in the goal circle.
Southern Steel players Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Gina Crampton are both included in the Magpies squad.
However, with both starting the first few games of the season for the Steel, their playing time could be drastically limited this season for the Magpies.
After winning the Fastnet competition last Tuesday night, Phys Ed A will open its campaign against Southern Tui.
Phys Ed A's new defensive combination got valuable court time in the Fastnet competition and will be looking to develop in the coming weeks.
Kate Gilchrist has been promoted from Phys Ed B to join the young defensive combination of Abby Erwood and Laura Overton.
College has retained the majority of last year's squad, and coach Lauren Piebenga is pleased with how the team is progressing.
''We haven't had too much time together but we are shaping up well,'' Piebenga said.
''We have a good mix in the group, a good amount of experience as well as girls that have had some representative experience over the years.''
Piebenga confirmed Steel midcourter Stacey Peeters would be available for today's opening game against University-Albion.
University-Albion coach Noeline Scott said the players were excited for the season to start.
''It will be good to see where we are at against one of the top teams, as well as learning what our early-season work-ons will be,'' she said.
Scott said she would be looking to Bridget Thayer and Georgie McFarlane to provide leadership.
''Both Bridget and Georgie, even though they aren't very old, are now the older girls in the team and I will be looking for them to step up this season.''
- Jaimie Keay
