Netball: Mystics aim to lay down early marker

Northern Mystics centre Laura Langman. Photo / Getty Images

The Northern Mystics want to set the tone for the season ahead in this weekend's Summer Shootout in Sydney - playing a fast-paced, open style of netball.

All 10 ANZ Championship sides are in Sydney this weekend for the pre-season tournament, taking the opportunity to finetune their preparations before the season proper kicks off at the end of the month.

The Mystics had their first hit-out of the tournament last night - a full match against NSW Swifts - and will play three shortened games today, before rounding out the weekend with another full game against the Tactix.

With a new sponsor, new dress and new culture instilled in the group, the Mystics have presented at the tournament with a fresh sense of purpose. The team has undergone an intense examination in the off-season as they look to get their act together both on and off the court after their disappointing seventh place finish in 2014.

Last season wasn't without its highlights however, with the Mystics finishing off their season with impressive wins over two tough Australian opponents - the West Coast Fever and Swifts. Mystics coach Debbie Fuller said those matches will provide the blueprint for how the team want to play in 2015.

"We really want to get our game style in order this weekend," said Fuller.

"I think the key thing we identified from last season was when we were successful we played big, open, fast netball. The court was open, feeding on the fly was a feature, and we promoted our strengths."

One key element of their game the Mystics won't be able to test this weekend is their feeding into star shooter Cathrine Latu. The Silver Fern is unable to take part in the tournament and is in doubt for the Auckland side's opening round match against the Tactix after having emergency surgery to remove her appendix last week.

Fuller isn't too concerned about not having Latu at her disposal this weekend as in former Silver Fern Paula Griffin the Mystics have strong cover on the bench. But the Mystics coach is disappointed to see her star shooter suffer a setback after making strong progress in the off-season.

"She's doing really well, the most important thing now for her is to recover and then do as much as she can to get herself fit and ready to go," said Fuller. "I'm hoping she will be okay to take the court again in a few weeks, but it all depends on how well she heals."

Another Silver Fern, Kayla Cullen, will also sit out the tournament after falling ill during the week. Former New Zealand Secondary Schools captain Holly Fowler made the trip to Sydney in Cullen's place.

Mystics captain Maria Tutaia said the late disruptions will be a good test of her side's resilience and adaptability - the very attitude Fuller is trying to promote in the group.

"A lot of stuff has been put out on the table after last season, and I've been really impressed with the way everyone has taken it on board and the way Maria has led this side," said Fuller.

"They've established a new dress that represents them, they've established a new Mystics' creed on how we want to behave."