Netball: Formidable opponent lies in wait for Mystics

Maria Tutaia of the Mystics. Photo / Getty Images

The 2011 transtasman league season has been a history-making run for the Northern Mystics, but lying in wait for them in the grand final are a side that are also intent on rewriting the record books.

The Queensland Firebirds have been unstoppable this season and are overwhelming favourites to claim the 2011 crown, becoming the fourth Australian side to lift the trophy.

But the Firebirds have the opportunity to go one better than the NSW Swifts, Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds by becoming the first team to go through an entire season unbeaten.

The jubilation among Mystics fans straight after last night's brilliant one-goal win over the Magic was pretty quickly tempered as they nervously eyed the Auckland side's next opponents.

But Mystics coach Debbie Fuller, who has guided her side to the grand final in her first season as head coach, was bullish when questioned if the Auckland team have the goods to spoil the Firebirds' party next week.

"They're definitely beatable," said Fuller. "We've got to go back and look at the video and look at a couple of games when they were under pressure and see what other teams did to put them under pressure."

Fuller's optimism was echoed by her adversary last night and good friend Noeline Taurua. The Magic coach believes the Mystics can win.

"Everyone is beatable on their day. The Mystics look a very tight unit and they are doing everything they need to do. They are coming to play when they need to, and that's all it takes is everyone united on the day," said Taurua.

"I would love to see a New Zealand side take out the trophy. I think it would be great for New Zealand netball."

But Magic defender Casey Williams, who got a first-hand glimpse of just how strong the Firebirds unit are in last week's major semifinal, believes the Mystics will have a tough time halting the maroon machine.

"I think the Firebirds are on fire this season. They are a well-oiled machine and I think they are going to take it out."