The Mount Isa Amateur Netball Association (MIANA) will launch into its 2012 season with the Waitangi Day clash on Saturday and president Bonnie Macrae said it promised to be a great year for the association.

MacRae said the popular sport had 400 members last year and MIANA was expecting a bigger season this year.

"We had our sign-on and all the major clubs were present to get players on their books and there were plenty of new faces looking to join the competition," MacRae said.

"We will be competing in another 19-week season with competition starting earlier than last season so it's all systems go."

MacRae said the competition should once more throw up some traditional and hard fought rivalries but there could be a few twists and turns.

"Strikers and Subway will once again be prominent as the two big players in the A-grade but some player movements may affect things," she said.

"Both of last year's grand finalists have lost a couple of big names but there are always new players to pick-up or others stepping up."

MacRae nominated Ann-Marie Mitchell, Mardi Greifhahn and Holly Trentin as players to watch and Matariki the team which could be the surprise packet in the top flight.

"Matariki have a couple of players returning who did not play last season and could give the other sides a scare," she said.

MacRae said the 2012 season would allow players new to the game to learn the sport and provide pathways for representative honours for the elite.

"The competition will feature a range of abilities from those looking for social fun to those who are more serious about the competition" MacRae said.

"This means there is plenty of fun and excitement for players and fans especially when it's all guns blazing late in the season."

MacRae said MIANA was also looking at the development of facilities at Wellington Oval.

"To make things more comfortable for players and fans we are hoping to have a children's play area and a shade structure put in," she said.

The 2012 season fires up on February 19 with the Waitangi Day clash played on Saturday from 10am.