Netball: Steel lure Potgieter south from Magic

Lenize Potgieter had two years with the Magic. Photo / Photosport

The Southern Steel have pulled off the signing of the ANZ Premiership transfer season to date.

The two-time defending champions can be considered one the favourites as they aim for a three-peat in 2019 after luring South African shooter Lenize Potgieter away from the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.

Potgieter netted the third most goals in this year's Premiership and, converting 92 per cent of her shots, the 24-year-old has been the league's most accurate shooter for the past two years.

For Potgieter, the prospect of venturing south to the Steel after two years with the Magic was "exciting but nerve-wracking".

"It was a tough decision. I've made friends while being at the Magic, and Waikato became my home for two years but sometimes you've got to be bold and challenge yourself," she said.

Potgieter, whose exit leaves a hole at the Magic which could be filled by off-contract Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio, believes her game will continue to evolve at the Steel.

"My goals for 2019 - like every netballer, I assume - would be to stand under confetti with a cup in hand but then also to improve my game and skillset, keep maintaining my shooting average and just to have a blast," she said.

"I have set moves that I do and defenders adapt to that quick, so I would love to be able to counter them when they counter me. Being able to adjust faster and not let it upset the rhythm of my shot - that's where I want to see my game develop."

The Steel have also re-signed the core of their title-winning team. While captain Wendy Frew has retired, shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jennifer O'Connell, midcourters Gina Crampton and Shannon Francois, and defenders Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Courtney Elliott are all on board for another season.

The Steel aren't the only team to sign an import shooter, with the Northern Mystics replacing the departed Maria Folau with Australian Kristina Brice.

The 24-year-old will be among four new faces in the Mystics squad, while they also announced the signing of experienced defender Erena Mikaere, who returns to New Zealand after playing four seasons in Australia with the championship-winning Sunshine Coast Lightning.

"We are excited to add experience and positional versatility to our defence end by welcoming Erena Mikaere. Erena's height and athleticism will be a fantastic addition," Mystics coach Helene Wilson said.

Bailey Mes, Elisapeta Toeava, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Phoenix Karaka and Jamie Hume have all recommitted to the Mystics, while Grace Kukutai was also named after being part of the side this season as a training partner. The 2019 Premiership will get under way in February.