Netball: Slick performance sought in final hit-out

All the hard work has been done - now it is about adding the finishing touches.

That is what Steel coach Robyn Broughton and her Tactix opposite Helen Mahon-Stroud are thinking a week out from the opening round of the ANZ Championship.

Both sides complete their pre-season build-up with a match at the Edgar Centre today and, while the result is immaterial, the performance is crucial.

A slick, well-drilled display will be rewarded with a shot of confidence, whereas a fumbling, botched outing is likely to result in a long week of self-reflection.

"I just want to see a good, quality performance," Broughton said.

"I want to see us take the mistakes out of the game. We've been trying all sorts of things but now we just have to stick to the game plan."

Broughton has been pleased with the progress made by Steel newcomers Hayley Saunders and Emma Moynihan, and singled defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit out for praise.

The former shooter is developing into a quality defender and, as experienced defender Sheryl Scanlan is still struggling with a calf injury, Selby-Rickit is likely to get plenty of opportunities.

"She has been playing really well at goal defence. She has picked up some very good ball for us and is getting better," Broughton said, adding that Liana Barrett-Chase's combination with Wendy Frew in the midcourt was looking "pretty tight".

Scanlan is likely to miss the Steel's opening game against the West Coast Fever in Invercargill on March 21. But, on the positive side of the injury ledger, back-up shooter Jade Topia has recovered from a back complaint which hampered her pre-season.

Tactix defender Peta Stephens is struggling with a persistent shoulder injury and will miss the match. Otherwise, the Christchurch-based team will field a full-strength side which includes promising defender Charlotte Kight and experienced midcourter and captain Maree Bowden.

"We are just looking to replicate what we want to put out on the court in the ANZ Championship," Mahon-Stroud said.

"We're pretty confident we've had a comprehensive build-up, but playing the Steel a week out from the start is a great opportunity."

The Tactix will also play the Otago Lois Muir Challenge team today.