An 18-strong 2024-25 squad has been announced as the Origin Australian Diamonds build towards the Sydney 2027 Netball World Cup.
The squad includes three Diamonds debutants – Ash Ervin (Sunshine Coast Lightning), Georgie Horjus (Adelaide Thunderbirds) and Hannah Mundy (Melbourne Vixens).
Captain Liz Watson and vice captain Paige Hadley are among the 15 returning athletes from the Origin Australian Diamonds successful 2023 campaign, which included being crowned World Champions.
Two invitee athletes have also been announced as part of Netball Australia’s continued commitment to grow squad depth.
Lucy Austin (Adelaide Thunderbirds) and Emily Mannix (Melbourne Vixens) will join the Origin Australian Diamonds squad at all training camps over the next 12 months.
The invitee program provides opportunities for targeted players to showcase their skills and capabilities within the Diamonds environment.
The squad and invitees were selected following an extensive and targeted process by Origin Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich and national selectors Anne Sargeant OAM and Michelle Wilkins.
Marinkovich looked forward to seeing the squad come together to further grow their connection both on and off the court.
“We know that we need to raise the bar and evolve if we are to continue to contribute to the Sisters in Arms legacy of success,” Marinkovich said.
“This squad will build towards a home Netball World Cup in 2027, which will be a pivotal moment for our sport both in Australia and internationally.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed with the standard at the Suncorp Super Netball level this year, and with the development coming through Netball Australia’s pathway programs including Fast5.
“We’re really excited about this squad, the blend of experience and youth and the individual skillsets that the athletes bring. This dynamic will enable the Origin Australian Diamonds to evolve, grow, and take on the challenges of international netball.
“We will continue to closely observe the remainder of the Suncorp Super Netball season with scope to add to our invitee athletes.”
Marinkovich said Ervin, Horjus and Mundy had impressed in the Suncorp Super Netball League to earn national selection.
“Whilst they continue to shape their craft each athlete has challenged the world’s best athletes in Suncorp Super Netball this year,” Marinkovich said.
“We’re looking forward to harnessing their skill sets and embedding them within the broader Origin Australian Diamonds culture and style of play.”
Origin Australian Diamonds 2024-25 squad
Sunday Aryang (West Coast Fever/Western Australia)
Kiera Austin (Melbourne Vixens/New South Wales)
Courtney Bruce (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Western Australia)
Sophie Dwyer (GIANTS Netball/New South Wales)
Ash Ervin (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Queensland)
Sophie Garbin (Melbourne Vixens/Western Australia)
Matilda Garrett (Adelaide Thunderbirds/Victoria)
Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts/New South Wales)
Georgie Horjus (Adelaide Thunderbirds/South Australia)
Sarah Klau (NSW Swifts/South Australia)
Cara Koenen (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Queensland)
Kate Moloney (Melbourne Vixens/Victoria)
Hannah Mundy (Melbourne Vixens/Victoria)
Amy Parmenter (Melbourne Mavericks/New South Wales)
Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball/New South Wales)
Donnell Wallam (Queensland Firebirds/Western Australia)
Liz Watson (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Victoria)
Joanna Weston (Melbourne Vixens/Victoria)
Origin Australian Diamonds invitees
Lucy Austin (Adelaide Thunderbirds/South Australia)
Emily Mannix (Melbourne Vixens/Victoria)
