What’s inside: •
• • •
Jess Mould’s “little” sister tells us what it was like growing up with Jess. Check out Cam’s World – one of our biggest fans We chat with Cat and Grace Debbie Fullers coaching blog and much more!
Issue No.3 – May 2013i
Issue No. 2 – April 2013
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Welcome to our June Edition - What’s inside
Coach’s Corner A Few Words from Ruth
Dealing with disappointment and helping your team deal with disappointment, is one of the true challenges of coaching! When what you were expecting, hoping for, planning on, does not work out - it is heartbreaking, there’s no getting away from it! But learning to handle disappointment appropriately is also crucial. Talking as a group with the players about how they are dealing with it, and sharing experiences has been a great way to help us all continue to stay positive and looking forward. It is too easy to feel sorry for ourselves and look to blame the situation – in the end it’s all about what we can control! The players shared the things that they feel really grateful about – and high on the list were the amazing opportunity they have been given to be part of this Mystics team and this incredible competition. The love and continued support from their families – who are always there (through the good times and the bad!) The wonderful response the players receive when they meet fans, when they are involved in coaching clinics, visiting schools, and just out and about round town. ☺ I also used this great quote from Barack Obama “Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, And it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure … because you won't, It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, Or whether you learn from it; Whether you choose to persevere.” We have all made a commitment “to persevere” and are grateful we have three more opportunities to play some great netball, to show what we have learned and how we have grown over the last season … despite the disappointment!! “Fall seven times, get up eight” Japanese proverb
What’s Happening - On and Off The Court __________________________________________ Moulds v Moulds
Guest writer Elaina Moulds (younger sister ) gives a sneaky peak at what it was like growing up with big sis Jess, life on the farm, and dress up weddings…. See Page 6 for full story ______________________________________________________________ ____
Cams World – A look inside a Mystics fans world Young Cam Dufty from Thames has become a familiar face here at the Mystics, and the players have adopted her as one of the team. We have a look at Cams world, and the wonderful Mum who helps make it happen See page 8 and 9 for full story _________________________________________________________________________________________
Long Serving Mystics Cat and Grace We have a quick chat to Cat Latu and Grace Rasmussen about being the two players who have been in the Mystics squad since the beginning of the ANZ Championship. See page 10 for full story _____________________________________________________
Fast 5 2013 If you missed out last year, get in quick! Fast 5 tickets are now on sale! Join the excitement and fun that is Fast 5, dress up and support our Fast Ferns as they defend their title. See page 13 for more details
I am particularly proud of the way Maria has continued to lead the team this year. For a new captain, this has been a real “baptism of fire” but she has been incredible – strong, positive, but not afraid to give the team a rark up when needed …. I had the pleasure of selecting her into the Silver Ferns as a young 18 year old … she was so shy and quiet! To see her leadership blossom this year, has given me a huge sense of pride and real respect for Ria and the family that have helped support and develop her along the way. On a sad note, we will be finishing the season without the on court services of our fabulous GK, Jess Moulds, who has a complicated lower back injury (we certainly seem to be jinxed in our defensive end!!). We will all miss her work rate, incredible sense of team, and fabulous intercepts … but this is another opportunity for our growing group of young ones to step up! Hope you can make it to the final game in Tauranga. Otherwise – yell loudly at the television … I find it always helps! Go Mystics!!
Issue No 4 – June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
Mystics Nation - Armchair Army
Q&A
Our very own “Armchair Army” Mystics/Netball fans sharing their thoughts and opinions on recent topics Contributions from S.M (AK-NZ) , J.K (Cairns-Aus), S.B (AK-NZ) , D.B (P/North-NZ)
We have seen it with many top sports teams, the Auckland Blues rugby, The Warriors – have all had seasons they would rather forget – what is the key to keeping fans on board? “I think having a lot of fan interaction and some lighthearted interviews , pictures , maybe some short clips from training. This will show that although the girls aren't doing well on the court they are still working hard and trying their best. But generally fans just have to be understanding and understand you have to take the good with the bad, that the girls aren't going out there specifically to lose and they are still working hard. At the end of the day there has to be a winner and a loser.” D.B “True fans will always stay on board. Things don't always go according to plan and loyal fans will know this and still see the skill and potential in their team. Hearing from the girls about how hard they are working and how much they appreciate our support is always nice.” S.M “Key to keeping fans engaged in a forgettable season, is to possibly open up a few training sessions. Having fans feel part of the process in what they do. To put out good performances doesn't just lie with what we all see at games, or on TV, but from the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. A Fan is a SUPPORTER in good times and not so good times. We learn and build in hard times. Mystics Supporter for Life.” J.K “I think us Kiwis are extremely tough on our athletes. We expect too much in some cases. Mystics fans, still after all the pre season turmoil expected their team to make finals . That was unrealistic when you look at the calibre of some of the other teams. I think as long as you are honest to your fan base. I would've liked to have heard Maria make reference to all that happened losing Harrison and Kight the way they did and also losing Bubby who was huge.
Imagine Magic without Irene? FBirds without Romelda? Steel without Fowler? Bubby was a massive loss. Own the fact that you have had this loss and a pregnancy/injury so you are in a building faze, but working hard. As long as we know you are working hard we will stay loyal” S.B. Do you think the NZ teams should play the Australian teams twice in the round robin?” “Yep definitely as this is a world class competition. I think this would only increase the exposure and popularity of the game. It will be great for NZ teams to get more exposure and therefore more used to the Aussie style, umpiring variations. Hopefully this will mean that the games between NZ and Aussie teams played in Australia will be more competitive. But it should only be done if financially viable as we don't want it to occur if franchises are going to go broke like in the NBL... Also with an increased season, larger squads and bigger pay packets for players would also be required, so a mid-term goal perhaps...” D.B “Short answer, YES. For this to be a good and fair competition I do believe all teams play twice. Obviously, money is a huge factor to this happening and until more injections of money happens this will not be a reality.” J.K “That would be awesome! Good chance to learn. Unfortunately unless a sponsor can support the extra expense and the extra 5 games can be fit into the draw I don't see it happening “ S.M “I do think our teams are getting stronger and the double round could benefit us in some cases i.e. the Magic v Fever. I believe the Magic would've thrashed Fever had they played a game in Hamilton. I believe the Steel would've beaten the Vixens if played in Invercargill and the Mystics would've come close to taking the Swifts if at home. So I guess it would make it an even playing field. Teams would finish the season where they truly belong.” S.B
Issue No.4- June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
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Coaching Blog - Debbie Fuller
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Debbie Fuller - Blog
Shares her tips and new ideas in the world of coaching.
I recently received an email from a young player asking me - “what do I have to do to be an ANZ player?” A tough question to respond to as within our team the pathway to ANZ has come in a variety of ways. We have had schoolgirls transition straight into the Mystics training squad and then progress to the team a year or two later. We have also had players who have not been identified at school level or age group level and have come in around the 21year old mark and make the training squad. There is not a “one size fits all” route to the Mystics and this is probably indicative of netball being a game where “inform confidence” comes and goes throughout a player’s career. Most players get identified from their club teams to represent their regions within our Zone, playing in the Lion Foundation NPC competition. This is where coaches identify players and invite them to trial. In addition, this year the Zones are initiating an Under 23 competition that we will also be looking at to scout talent. It is important that we grow our base of players who are “competition ready” and we have a large group who can operate at the highest skill level under immense pressure. So, what does this mean? The following snapshot gives you an idea of the scrutiny and expectations of performance an ANZ player is required to perform week in and week out for the 3-4month duration of the competition and therefore indicates to coaches who can compete well at this level: Key statistics from top ranked players in ANZ per position: GS –Top stat for volume (attempts per quarter) is 13, top accuracy is 95% GA – For a GA the top accuracy is 91% shooting accuracy, 69% feeding accuracy, 48% Centre pass involvement WA – Top ranked centre pass involvement in 1st and 2nd phase is 68%. For feeding accuracy the best stat is 91% and the best stat for percentage of WA feeds to the circle is 49% C – Delivering the centre pass accuracy the best stat is 99.3% and feeding accuracy 93% WD- Top stat for WD is 1 gain or turnover per quarter, keeping the WA possession rate and involvement in centre pass to below 45% and keeping the WA feeding volume low to below 35% GD –Top rebound stat for a GD is 26%, keeping the GA shooting accuracy to 78% and intercepting or turning over ball 1 per quarter. GK – The top stats for GK intercepts is 1.6 per quarter, getting 50% of the rebounds, keeping the GS to a shooting percentage of below 80% and keeping in circle penalties below 3. You need to be aware that while you may perform to these targets there are also a lot of intangible qualities that need to be considered. For example if you are a GD and you are getting 3 intercepts per quarter and your GA is only shooting 2 goals per quarter (which she missed) which exceeds the targets, however, you may also be getting heavily penalised and your GA may be playing a key feeding role to a 7ft GS. Statistics paint one picture but not the whole picture. So to answer the question at the start of the blog, to compete in the ANZ competition players need to firstly build up their skills, fitness and mental fortitude to be comfortable competing at an elite level. This means that you love to train, set goals and practise netball 6 days a week for around 2-4 hours per day. You need to get specific about what you want to achieve and having targets as listed above in each position may give you an idea about how far away or how close you are. You need to have initiative to work some of it out yourself rather than growing dependency on coaches and parents. You need to seize the moment to act on your goals. In this competition as soon as you get good at something, someone else is ready to move up in the world and overtake you, so you need to be comfortable with focusing on “being better” rather than “being good” week in and week out. You need to have grit and willpower, and willpower is a muscle that can be worked on. Having willpower to maintain conditioning and nutrition programmes for long periods of time even when your peers and family are doing the complete opposite. Willpower is tested in daily decisions, like your mates pressuring you to go out when you have a game the next day and your parents serving up a table full of food that is not ideal for your diet, if you are serious about being an ANZ player you will develop the willpower to do the right thing in everyday situations like this. Grit is called on all the time, for example, when players get injured and they have to do double time to get fit again or when you are on court and your opponent is dominating and you need to stop and think about how to adjust and overwhelm her. You must be comfortable working within a team environment, making sacrifices, accepting others; their faults their strengths and their characters. You need to be accepting of critiques of your performance, being hounded in the media and complimented in the media. You have to be focused to ignore the cheers of the crowd, the verbal abuse from the crowd and accepting the snarls at the supermarket the day after your team has lost. If you think you can be comfortable working in this environment on a daily basis, you have the skills and fitness required, then you might make it, and you might love it, you might stay competitive for a long time. If you do, you will realise it is hard work but great fun and it could well be one of the best competitive sporting experiences you may have in your lifetime. Have I answered the question? No, as it is a very complex question as the variables are many, however I think I have painted a picture about the characteristics and performance required. All the best.
Issue No 4. - June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
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Moulds v Moulds
“Oh the Joys of Jess”
Story written by Elaina Moulds - (aka lil sis) . Growing up with Jessica Jean Moulds was a “one of a kind “ experience. I say one of a kind because there really is no one in the world like my crazy, hot-headed, over-protective, beautiful, smart and determined sister. Being four and a half years my senior, Jess has always known her place at the top of the food chain. Whether it be bossing me around to do chores, or teaching me how to shave my legs for the first time, Jess continues to successfully fulfil the criteria on what it means to be a big sister. My family is from a small, central to nowhere rural area called Ararua about an hour south of Whangarei. Growing up on the farm is something that my siblings and I took full advantage of. There was, of course, always a fight over who got to sit in front of Dad on the motorbike and usually tears were shed (by Jess) as it was the youngest who claimed that right. We always had lots of fun begging Dad to take us up to the hay barn so we could make tunnels in the stacks of hay and playing a part in pest control by taking our dog out possum hunting. Jess always had a fascination with weddings as a young one and was constantly dressing me up as a bride and making me marry this old stuffed elephant of hers. I loved it though; the attention made me feel like a princess and I was just stoked to be hanging out with my big sister. I don’t think we could’ve asked for a better place to grow up. Jess and I have always had a very explosive relationship. We love each other a lot and she is my best friend but we know each other so well that we know all the right buttons to push when we want to. Every year growing up, we’d make a trip down to Tauranga to see my Dad’s side of the family and my brother, Matt, would have to sit between the two of us to keep the peace. Unfortunately, poor Matthew often became a rag doll in amongst the flying arms, but as he started to fill out around age 14 we were quickly pushed back to our own seats by his brutish arms. Oh the joys of sisterly love. When I moved to Auckland last year to pursue my journalism career, a few rules were set in place for me. You would think the law would be laid down by my mother, but no; it was my sister who took on the task. “Don’t walk home by yourself at night. Don’t forget to ring Mum and Dad every day. And don’t forget to ring me! Be good, or else!” “Haha, OK Jessie,” I’d laugh nervously in full knowledge that breaking her rules may mean jeopardising my life. Dad always jokes that if we do something out of line “it’s not us you should be worried about, it’s ya sister!” And this is true, but her motives are good. She just wants us to be safe and to keep in contact with each other. I remember sitting with Jess in her car one day recently, complaining about how annoying it was that she always involves herself in my life.
Her reply reminded me why she does what she does: “It’s not enough to just try and be the best that I can be. I want to make everyone else around me the best that they can be, as well.” I guess my sister’s pretty cool, after all.
Issue No 4. - June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
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Cam’s World – We profile Mystics biggest fan! QUESTIONS FOR CAM
Name
Cameron Dufty
Nickname
Cam/Min
Place of Birth
Thames
Year of Birth
2003
Height
1.40m
Playing Positions
WA/WD
Occupation
Year 6 Student
Netball Career Highlights
2012 - Walking the team on with Bubby 2012 - Getting Anna Harrison “Hand me downs” (they are still a bit big) 2012 - Being ball carrier for my 9th birthday 2012 – Jess Moulds recognizing me at a Silver Ferns Game 2013 – Training with Julie Corletto, Hayley Saunders (and Daryl )
What do you love most about the Mystics? “I love the whole team, Tash and all the people who say hello to me in the Gold Area, especially the Drury Girls! When I go to a home game I always get really inspired to go to my next training and work hard so I can get better, then one day I can be in the Mystics and have all the cool uniforms, good friends for team mates. I even hope Maria might still be our Captain then ( or even our Coach!) What makes a great role model? “Someone who shows young people how to believe in themselves” How many Mystics items do you own? “50! But that’s not counting my homemade stuff” Didn’t you once support the Magic? ☺ “Yep, when Maria moved I moved!
Age Started Playing
7
QUESTIONS FOR MUM (BECS)
Training tips for young players
When you fall over and scrape your knees just get back up and keep playing, don’t look at the side line to your mum because then you will cry for sure!
Test Caps
3 (on the bench – about 30 rows back)
Favourite TV Show
X Factor
Favourite food
Macaroni Cheese Pasta
Favourite Movie
The Muppets
Role Models/Heroes
Maria, Julie. My two coaches Yvette and Kylie, and my parents ☺☺
Cam is clearly Mystics biggest fan, you have sewed countless uniforms, driven for miles (Thames to AK) for games, made Mystics birthday cakes, made Anna GK Bibs,,, what’s next? “Wow, that kind of bio kinda makes me sound obsessive, but yes I guess I have encouraged Cams interest in the team (which is easy when we have all become passionate about it) I don’t know just how much more I can do.. But you can guarantee that something will strike me (or Cam) in the middle of the night and I will retreat to my studio to create some new elaborate plan. So for 2014 we will be back courtside YAY!! And there will be another dress, but I am thinking we need to go back to the basics… SIGNS! I am also trying to come up with something for each of the team as a farewell to 2013 – I strongly believe that yes it has been a hard year, but we have got through it together and we have to be thankful for what it was, learn from it and build on it next year – so that’s my next thing (but as of yet its top secret …. Even to me!!!)” Did you envisage Cam’s love of the Mystics to be this big? “Ah, no and to be fair I don’t think it would have got this big if the girls had not all embraced Cam so much and continued to support her just as much as she supports them. When we first started this journey 2 seasons ago Cam (as an 8 year old) was going through some issues with settling and friends at school. The confidence and smiles that came from receiving one of Maria Tutaia’s emails just saying “hi Cam” was priceless, it bought back that confident big dreamer kid we had been missing.. I love that she is so passionate and loyal, or that she doesn’t care if the girls win or lose, she defends them and puts a positive spin on EVERY move they make – and goodness help the grandfather who tries to wind her up by saying another team is better!
Issue No 4. - June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
Cams World – cont’d
Issue No 4 - June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
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Quick Catch Up with Cat and Grace
You are both the longest serving Mystics players, from the beginning, what makes you want to play for the Mystics?
2008
“Just the thought of being a “Mystee” for so long makes me want to play another 10 seasons for the franchise. I’ve played all my netball for Auckland and this is home. It’s also encouraging playing in front of friends and family. Nothing beats playing in front of an Auckland crowd! - Grace “Apart from being in Auckland most of my life, the way the mystics are run makes it easy to stay. Very family orientated. Also the fan base here in the Northern part of NZ is amazing. For the most part they are extremely loyal and will stay by our side through think and thin. It's comforting to know that they see us as people and not just 'netballers” Cat'. You have seen players come and go, teams change throughout the ANZ Championship years, can you pinpoint your most memorable game, against who, and why? “There will always be player movement within the competition and that’s just the nature of sport. Personally my most memorable game would have to be playing Magic last year, early in the season and beating them. Why? Because I have a really bad memory and that’s as far back as I can go ,secondly I can remember playing some good netball alongside one of netballs legends, Temepara Bailey”’ - Grace. “Last year we needed to beat the Swifts in Sydney to make top 4.We had played them at their home ground earlier in the year and lost. It was devastating but we came back to beat them there and it felt great. For some reason it felt like we couldn't be beaten that day and will always remain in my memory. “ Cat
You both come from large families, when times are tough throughout the season , how big of a part does your family play? “A HUGE part! And I'm sure for most of the girls its their main support as well. My family are there for me regardless of how I’ve performed or how the team is performing – I wouldn’t be half the athlete/person I am today without them. They are avid Mystic supporters and come to every home game. Can’t beat family love after a hard day at the office ☺” - Grace “Coming from a big family feels great. So many people to be a role model for and to make proud. It also makes the tough times seem not so bad. With 5 sisters,4 brothers and a very supportive pair of parents it's always refreshing to have them there to fall back on. It gets hard sometimes from self expectation, tough losses, and media cruelty. They know you better then anyone so they usually know exactly what to say. And at least one will sugar coat everything to make you feel better”. Cat
Mystics as a franchise and a brand has grown rapidly, with the second highest face book fan numbers, with season members numbers increasing every year, merchandise selling out – how does it feel to be a part of that?
2009
“It’s a pretty special feeling - sometimes as a player you get so caught up with training and games that its sometimes nice to just stop and actually appreciate what a blessing it is to be apart of it all” - Grace “We interact with fans religiously and this helps them feel a part of the 'mystics family'. Being able to communicate with our fans via the Internet is usually the only way we can connect. especially with our out of town/Aussie fans. Our ever increasing membership sales is, I think, a testament to how much work is done to ensure we are relatable and get into the community to promote not only ourselves but the LG Mystics. Also the international power our team possesses makes for good viewing.” Cat
Issue No 4. – June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
LG Mystics – 2013 Sponsors and Advertising Opportunities
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2013 Player Sponsors If your company would like more info on Player Sponsorship opportunities please email info@lgmystics.co.nz
Harvey World Travel
Keith Nelson & Associates
MILK Tailor Made Books
The Flying Herons
Auckland Drape Company
ADVERTISE WITH US : Mystics Nation is the official monthly online magazine of the LG Northern Mystics • • • •
Downloaded on Northern Mystics Facebook Page/Twitter – 8082 fans Downloaded on Netball New Zealand Facebook Page/Twitter –24,000 fans Emailed out to Membership Database – 2500 plus Advertised via ANZ Championship Facebook /Twitter 33,000 plus fans
ADVERTISING OPTIONS Full Page Half Page Sponsor a regular feature page Banners (foot of page) What’s inside: Catch up with the Corletto’s Who am I ? Competition Mystics on the Move Road trip And so much more!
For more information on pricing and availability please email tash.osborne@lgmystics.co.nz
Issue No.4 – June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz
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ANZ Championship Sponsors
Issue No 4 . – June 2013
www.northernmystics.co.nz