Head coach Debbie Fuller Captain Temepara George Wins–losses 11–5 | Asst. coach Jenny-May Coffin Main venue Trusts Stadium Regular season 4th | |
The 2011 Northern Mystics season was the fourth season that the Northern Mystics contested the ANZ Championship. The Mystics started the 2011 season on 14 February, being one of only four teams to play in the first round. Player signings for most teams, including the Mystics, were released on 16 August 2010. The Mystics retained most of their international players, and also gained seasoned internationals Anna Scarlett and Megan Dehn.
Contents
Debbie Fuller stepped into the role of head coach for the first time in 2011. The former Silver Fern joined the Mystics as a defensive coach in 2009, and became assistant coach the following year. Incumbent head coach Te Aroha Keenan retired after the 2010 season, with Fuller being promoted to head coach. 2010 player Jenny-May Coffin replaced Fuller as assistant coach. The Mystics were again captained by veteran midcourter Temepara George, who has led the side in every match since their inaugural season.
After twelve round-robin matches, the Northern Mystics finished in fourth place, qualifying for their first ever finals series. The Mystics travelled to Sydney to contest the minor semi-final against the New South Wales Swifts. After defeating the Swifts in Sydney, the Mystics travelled to Hamilton for the preliminary final against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, whom they defeated in a close match. The Mystics travelled back across the Tasman Sea to Queensland, to contest their first Grand Final against the Queensland Firebirds. Despite a strong first half, the Mystics were defeated 57–44 by the Firebirds, finishing the 2011 season as runners-up.