Netball: Langman to remain with Magic

Laura Langman. Photo / Getty Images

Silver Ferns star Laura Langman was courted by the Mystics but has decided to remain at the Magic for a fifth season.

After reaching their first ANZ Championship final in a stellar year, the Mystics had Langman near the top of their transfer targets for the 2012 season. It is believed that the Auckland team could have put together an attractive package - including off court options for the 25-year-old who has an accounting degree - but Langman opted to remain loyal to the franchise where she has played her entire career.

Mystics' fans may have salivated at the prospect of a dream midcourt with Joline Henry, Langman and Temepara George but it will not happen in 2012.

The Mystics still remain reasonably confident of persuading George to play one more season and see boom youngster Kayla Cullen as a long-term option in the midcourt. George's eventual departure, whenever it comes, will leave an obvious vacuum at centre.

Langman surveyed her options at the end of this season and apparently fielded enquiries from the Tactix - but her sense of loyalty (the Magic first picked her as a schoolgirl back in 2003) won out in the end.

Langman will continue to be a hot property in New Zealand netball as much for her durability as her talent. She has not missed a single Ferns match since her debut - playing a record 68 consecutive tests since March 2005.

Langman has also been an ever-present for the Magic in the ANZ Championship, and was the youngest player in the league's history to reach 50 games. She is also just the second in Magic history to hit 100 matches for the franchise, after Irene van Dyk.

Langman, currently in camp with the Ferns as they prepare for twin tests against Australia next week, joins van Dyk as confirmed for the 2012 season, while their third superstar Casey Williams is understood to be close to agreeing terms.