Dana Johannsen: Mixed report card for Silver Ferns

At the beginning of the season, when Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken cast an eye over the demanding test schedule put together for her side, there were a number of key objectives she set out to achieve.

Developing new combinations, building depth in each position, exposing rookie players to the heat of international battle and bedding down a new attacking strategy were all high on Aitken's agenda this year.

But the number one objective, as always, is to win.

On that basis, it is fair to say the Ferns have had a very disappointing year.

Yesterday's three-goal defeat to the Jamaicans in Kingston was the Ferns' sixth loss from 11 tests this season.

It is the first time in Aitken's seven-year tenure that the Silver Ferns have lost more matches than they have won, and well short of her 80 per cent career record.

Having suffered series defeats to a composite world team (2-1) and Australia (3-2) earlier in the year, the New Zealand side needed to make a strong statement on the end-of-year tour to ensure they were in a healthy position heading into next year's Commonwealth Games.

But last week's overtime win against England in a one-off test in Bath, and a drawn series against Jamaica, will likely instil more confidence in their opposition than it does the Ferns.

With the Commonwealth Games around the corner, this is a dangerous position for the Ferns to be in.

Although the Ferns' record this season makes for pretty ugly reading, for almost every poor performance they've put in, they've been able to put together an equally sublime performance against the same opposition.

The New Zealand team have at times this season played some of their best netball in years. But it is their inability to do so consistently that must be of immense frustration to the coaching staff and something that needs to be addressed.

For it is not just their traditional foe Australia the Ferns have to worry about at the Commonwealth Games. As has been made apparent in the past two weeks, England and Jamaica have emerged as very real threats to New Zealand and Australia's dominance. The Ferns must ensure they don't lose any further ground.

While the results this year have been a little alarming, the Ferns can take some comfort in the knowledge that their brutal 11-test season will serve them well heading into what will be another demanding year in 2010. The Ferns have made strong gains in terms of their strength and conditioning and at times shown great resilience.

And for pinnacle events such as the Commonwealth Games, strong preparation is key.