By Matt Fotia
Two out of three ain’t bad.
The Origin Australian Diamonds claimed another series victory against the England Roses, winning the deciding test by 13 goals, 69-56, at Bendigo Stadium.
Here’s five things we learned from the Diamonds triumph.
KIERA’S ERA
The lauding of Kiera Austin’s performances was consistent across the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, as the well-rounded goal attack led her side deep into finals.
Austin has carried this form onto the international stage, as she pushes her case to be one of the world’s best attackers and shapes as a key cog in the Diamonds push to retain all their current silverware.
The Vixens star played 173 of a possible 180 minutes across the series and contributed defensively and offensively, racking up eight gains, seven deflections, six pick ups and four intercepts to go with 67 goals and 63 assists.
Kiera Austin was Player of the SeriesHer all-round game was personified beautifully on Wednesday night, when Austin grabbed an intercept deep in the centre third, moved the ball on quickly before losing her defender on transition to finish under the post on her lonesome.
Her opposite number this series, Helen Housby, has been regarded as the game’s leading goal attack for the last few years, and while they are two very different players, there is a case building that we could be entering Kiera’s era at the top of the game.
SOPHIE’S STARTING
Austin’s Vixens clubmate Sophie Garbin has all but locked up the starting goal shooter spot, following another strong showing on the international stage.
Garbin, who possess the ability to get involved in build-up and provide her teammates a strong target in the circle, was ruthless under the post this series, finishing the three matches as the leading scorer, with 113 goals from 120 attempts.
The West Australian will surely get the nod to lead the line against New Zealand when the Constellation Cup rolls around, and alongside Austin, could be a permanent fixture in the Diamonds goal circle for the foreseeable future.
A YEAR IS A LONG TIME IN NETBALL
It’s a cliché for a reason.
12 months ago, Rudi Ellis was preparing to return to Victoria, signing with the Melbourne Vixens, after managing just six appearances off the bench for the West Coast Fever.
On paper Ellis was a strong depth option for the Vixens, with the tall defender on call to deputise both Emily Mannix and Jo Weston.
Fast forward a year (or thereabouts) and how things have changed. Injuries to her club mates offered Ellis an opportunity on court and she hasn’t looked back.
She played 16 games for the Vixens in 2024, notching 14 intercepts and 41 deflections to gain Diamonds invitee status.
Her rise wasn’t complete though, with Ellis becoming the 192nd player to represent the Australian netball team when she hit the court in game one.
The return of Courtney Bruce and Weston to the Constellation Cup squad may limit her on-court opportunities against New Zealand, but her rise from riding the bench at RAC Arena to representing her country at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre is something to behold.
ROSES NEXT GEN
Despite losing the three-match series, England once again showed the netball world they’re a side on the rise.
Their win in Sydney was just the third time in their history they’ve won on Australian soil and the performances of some fresh faces should excite their fanbase.
While Funmi Fadoju is not exactly a newcomer to the international game, she is still a beacon of hope for English fans, and she only built on her reputation during this three-match stint.
The exciting off the body defender was a nuisance all series and demanded precision from the Australians when they had ball in hand, finishing the three tests with 23 deflections and 11 gains, and will be one of the Roses biggest threats moving forward.
Funmi Fadoju added to her reputationAnother youngster stood tall at the other end of the court.
Liv Tchine played a lot more game time than anyone expected, following Eleanor Cardwell’s withdrawal from the squad after game one, and she didn’t let anyone down.
She shot 91 goals from 94 attempts and showcased her versatility, moving well in combination with Helen Housby while also utilising her full 191cm frame in a back hold to great success.
It would seem Cardwell is still the preferred option at goal shooter for the Roses, but if Tchine continues to put our performances like these, she might move into pole position soon.
WE NEED A TROPHY
Surely, it’s time.
The rivalry with England is building and we need something to play for.
The Roses have been on our shores twice in the last three seasons, sent shockwaves through the Australian netball community when they defeated us in the final group game of the World Cup last year and it’s not like there isn’t (sporting) tension between the two nations.
Plus, ‘Champions of the 2024 Origin Diamonds v England Roses Test Series’ doesn’t really roll off the tongue.
New series name incoming?