Former Tactix defender Jo Trip is the only other player with ANZ Championship experience and the rest - Kristiana Manu'a, Kelly Jury and Aisha Bower - are virtual unknowns.
The trio have been exposed to the intensity of the ANZ Championship for the first time in this weekend's pre-season tournament - albeit Jury has had to experience it from only the bench as she's still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
From those who have taken the court, there have been moments of real understanding between the defensive unit but, mostly, their inexperience has shown.
The Magic, who are also missing import shooter Jo Harten this weekend, were well beaten by the Vixens (45-33) in their first hit-out on Friday night, and recorded another three losses in yesterday's shortened matches - including a 32-25 defeat to perennial strugglers the Tactix.
De Bruin has described the tournament as a learning process for them all.
"Defensively, we need to keep talking to each other. When we do, it works really well, so we need to keep that chatter up.
"I see Kristi talking to Jo out there, but she doesn't seem to do it with me, so I think she needs to learn she's allowed to yell at me out there as well."
De Bruin is embracing her role as "mother hen" in the defensive end. When she's not on court, the Silver Fern can often be found pacing the baseline, offering advice and encouragement to the youngsters who are facing players they have previously seen only on TV.
Trip, who is in her second season with the Magic, credits the influence of de Bruin with helping her improve as a player since her arrival at the franchise.
This year the 24-year-old is going to have to put that learning into action on court.
"Last year, I was working hard to get out on court and this year I've come into it really keen to make the most of my opportunities and play good netball," said Trip.
The Magic aren't the only Kiwi side to have struggled this weekend. The Mystics are also without a win from their four games, while the Tactix and Pulse's only wins have come against New Zealand opposition.
The Steel are the only side to have beaten an Australian team, overrunning the Adelaide Thunderbirds 29-23 in yesterday's afternoon session.