Netball: Magic ready for Sydney tourney

Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald expects the ANZ Championship Summer Shootout to be a good hit out for her side. Photo / NZME.

The Kia Magic are looking forward to getting on court for the ANZ Championship Pre-Season Summer Shootout after weeks of pre-season training.

The three-day tournament starting tonight in Sydney features all 10 ANZ Championship teams.

Kia Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald said the pre-season tournament, to be played at the newly-completed Netball Central at Sydney Olympic Park, is an important element to the season build-up.

"The ANZ Championship starts later this month so we don't have much time left to prepare, meaning this tournament is important for us," Fitzgerald said.

"While results are by-and-large irrelevant, it's the combinations we'll be looking to bring together that will be our focus, especially given we've had several girls away at Silver Ferns camp and tests."

One player not making the trip to Sydney is Jo Harten.

The English goal shoot has a slight back niggle and given her recent international playing and travel commitments the decision has been made to rest her from the Summer Shootout.

Former Kia Magic shooter Jess Waitapu will travel with the team in Harten's absence.

A total of 25 games will be contested over the weekend as teams play five matches each.

* Kia Magic matches (NZ times):
Friday (full-length game) 7pm v Vixens
Saturday (2x15 halves) 12pm v Firebirds, 5.30pm v Tactix, 7.30pm v Swifts
Sunday (full-length game) 12pm v Steel