The Samsung Australian Diamonds have unveiled their 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup playing dress marking 17-days until the tournament kicks off in Liverpool.
Samsung Diamonds players revealed the new dress in Sydney during a break in their high-performance camp, as World Cup preparations intensify.
The striking green and gold kit pays homage to the past, with every player to have represented the Diamonds acknowledged with their name on the home and away dresses.
It's a significant and unique move away from any dress the Australian netball team has worn before and a strong statement of the Diamonds' culture, that playing for Australia isn't just about the now but walking in the footsteps of the past.
Samsung Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett was part of the dress design process and said reflecting on what it meant to be a Diamond was a significant focus.
"The Diamonds’ Netball World Cup uniform is about honouring our history and what better way to do so than acknowledging some of the most influential and successful sportswomen our country has known," she said.
"Just as the Diamonds players of the past and their achievements inspire the current squad, we hope how we perform at the World Cup inspires young netballers around the country to keep playing, enjoying the game and following their dreams.
"We're certainly going to have feelings of pride and respect each time we take the court. Being selected to play for Australia is something you dream of as a kid and that feeling of putting on the green and gold never gets old.”
Former Diamond Cath Cox who represented Australia 108 times said seeing the new uniform always brings back a sense of nostalgia and pride.
"I have fond memories of wearing the green and gold and what my teammates and I were able to achieve as Diamonds players. As former players we feel honoured to be acknowledged in this manner as the current group of Diamonds head to the UK with the intention of claiming Australia’s 12th World Cup title,” she said.
“Big tournaments always bring out the best in our Diamonds, we’ve got players who are in brilliant form with their Suncorp Super Netball clubs and the new squad has a great mix of experience and fresh talent. There is no greater challenge in our sport than to win a World Cup and I believe these Diamonds have the talent in the squad to bring home the title.”
The tournament kicks-off in Liverpool on Friday 12 July with the Diamonds playing in the second match of the first day against Northern Ireland at 8pm AEST.
Follow the Diamonds journey to the World Cup on Instagram @aussiediamonds #ShineBright #GoDiamonds
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