By Kealey Earney
The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand on the netball court continues to intensify with each meeting.
Two of the world’s best will meet again this month to compete for the Constellation Cup.
Both sides have a wealth of talent across the court, here’s the athletes to keep an eye on throughout the series.
AUSTRALIA
Kiera Austin – Shooter
Kiera Austin will really look to assert herself at this year’s Constellation Cup given the absence of Steph Wood who recently announced her retirement from international netball.
Austin no doubt has it in her, the sharp shooter is quick thinking with clinical ball movement that earned a player of the match award in the 2023 Netball World Cup final.
Austin will now look to continue her run of form and be a key playmaker in attack. Her ability to sink long-range shots will cause issues for her opposing defender.
Kiera Austin shone at this year's Netball World Cup.Liz Watson - Midcourter
Leading from the front Origin Diamonds skipper Liz Watson will be gearing up to put on a dominant midcourt display. The speedy wing attack is an absolute workhorse and true leader.
She was one of the best feeders at the Netball World Cup with her drives to the circle edge almost unbeatable.
Origin Diamonds fans will be keen to see their fearless leader return to the court at home.
Courtney Bruce - Defender
Seasoned campaigner and Origin Diamonds stalwart Courtney Bruce will once again be looking to create havoc for New Zealand. Her ability to force her opposition into turnovers and shut down strong holding goal shooters is to be commended.
She is likely to match up on youngster Grace Nweke and make it difficult for the New Zealand midcourters to feed from circle edge.
Bruce will be riding high after a World Cup win, having earned herself the ‘Defender of the Tournament’ award.
NEW ZEALAND
Kate Heffernan - Midcourter
Fresh off the back of winning the ‘Midcourter of the Tournament’ award at the Netball World Cup, New Zealand’s Kate Heffernan will be raring to go.
She’s a strong midcourter who controls the play and her added height, standing at 181cm, combined with her natural talent is likely to give the Origin Diamonds midcourters a headache.
Heffernan's height is an asset to the Silver Ferns.Heffernan is also able to cover all three midcourt positions which is a huge asset.
Grace Nweke - Shooter
Grace Nweke might only be 21 years old but she’s already making a name for herself on the international stage.
Standing at 193cm the tall holding shooter is a force to be reckoned with. But Nweke’s availability to play will be subject to medical clearance. Her presence on court was missing during the World Cup as she missed most of the tournament due to sustaining a partial tear in her patella during New Zealand's third match.
If she plays, she will be hard to shut down given her ability to take on the game and manage the shooting load.
Kelly Jury - Defender
Defender Kelly Jury is a key asset to New Zealand’s defensive unit. Her versatility to play both GK and GD is one that should not be taken lightly.
She can also swing out to WD, with her hands over pressure causing problems for the opposition midcourters. Jury is also a strong rebound option under the post and an all-round classy athlete who is primed for a solid tournament.
