Netball fans gather to greet winning Magic

It's been a rowdy and exciting reception for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.

The newly-crowned ANZ Championship winners have landed at Auckland Airport.

Newstalk ZB's Edward Swift is there. He says proud parents and fans waited at the arrival gate for the team to come through at about 3.30.

They were presented with flowers and champagne to celebrate their ANZ Championship win, before they head off to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, where they say they are looking forward to taking the trophy home.

Wing attack Jess Waitapu says it's a really surreal feeling - sentiments echoed by team mate Khao Watts.

"Just like Jess said, it's a really surreal feeling you look back and think 'oh my god did we actually win that', but you know it happened and we couldn't be more thrilled."

Irene van Dyk can't wait to get the ANZ Championship trophy back home to the Waikato.

She says they had to fight for every point right through the competition, so last night's win in Melbourne culminated in some special celebrations.

"There were so many people that flew over from New Zealand that it was just nice to recognise them as well, and just enjoy the celebrations with them."

The veteran goal attack has a small window to celebrate, before departing early tomorrow morning for the funeral of her mother in South Africa.

She says keeping her mind on netball is keeping her spirits up.

"It's good to know that we need to come back and play trials to be selected for the Ferns, it's quite a good goal to look forward to."

The Silver Ferns name their trial squad on Monday.

Photo: Edward Swift