New Firebirds signings Verity Simmons, Amorette Wild, Stephanie Puopolo and Clare McMeniman. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited
NETBALL great Liz Ellis says Clare McMeniman's short-lived retirement interrupted her likely elevation to the Australian team.
The Queensland Firebirds recruit could be the pick-up of the ANZ Championship, which starts its seventh season when the Tactix host Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Christchurch on Saturday.
A fierce one-on-one defender, McMeniman retired on a high after Queensland's 2011 Championship win.
Her hunger to once again contribute to a dominant defensive unit has returned and Ellis believes the 28-year-old remains a chance for a belated Diamonds selection.
"Clare's a brilliant pick-up,'' said Ellis who will once again commentate for ANZ Championship broadcaster Fox Sports.
"I've been a huge fan of hers and I think she was on the cusp of the Australian team when she retired.
"If she can get back to that form it will be a good couple of years for her.''
McMeniman's comeback is typical of an unprecedented off-season of player movements.
West Coast captain and former Firebird Natalie Medhurst is one of 25 players to find new homes this season.
A further 13 recruits have the opportunity to make their debuts, while six players have returned after taking a break from the trans-Tasman league.
Most of that movement has been across the ditch.
Six-time finalist the Magic is almost unrecognisable after losing skipper Laura Langman (Mystics) and Irene van Dyk (Pulse).
Bew mum Anna Harrison's comeback has strengthened the Mystics, although her return has been delayed by a foot injury.
The comings and goings make it almost impossible to tip a championship favourite, according to Australia and Queensland captain Laura Geitz.
"Everyone's fierce. There's no frontrunners," said Geitz who will lead the Firebirds into Sunday's Round 1 clash with the Southern Steel in Invercargill.
"I think we'll finally see more New Zealand sides in the top four.
"They get two rounds against each other, and their recruitment has been really smart.
"They've recruited key players, especially the Mystics and Pulse, and built really good combinations around them.''
Much of the hype in Australia surrounds West Coast Fever and the New South Wales Swifts.
The Swifts had a horrible trot last season but the addition of Queenslander Gretel Tippett and Caitlin Thwaites has strengthened an already powerful front end.
West Coast has been a sleeping giant for several seasons, and promises great things after assembling their most talented list under former national coach Norma Plummer.
Ellis has recognised their potential but does not believe the Fever can reach their maiden finals series.
"I'm reluctant to say it's the Fever's year because I've tipped them so often in the past," the former Australia captain said.
"Last year they had the scorers but their midcourt didn't have the flow.
"It's difficult trying to nail down a culture when you've got players coming from different states.''
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