The camp will be the first to be held under the guidance of new head coach Stacey Marinkovich and will bring together the recently-announced squad as they prepare for the resumption of international netball in 2021.
Origin Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich said the camp will focus on building strong connections within the squad.
“Our Origin Diamonds squad members have played a lot of netball in a very condensed format this year, so this camp will take a very different approach,” she said.
“We have a unique opportunity to use this time to build relationships and create an environment that has common language and purpose. Once we have built this cohesion and connection we will then progress to the performance on court.
“To be an elite group that can perform under pressure, we need connection so our priority right now is getting some strong foundations laid within the group for us to build on when we come back together for the Constellation Cup tour early next year ” she said.
Caitlin Bassett and Kiera Austin will not be attending the camp after returning home to Sydney at the completion of GIANTS Netball season several weeks ago. They will however be virtually present at the camp in various sessions via Zoom. Athletes were provided the opportunity to discuss their attendance at the camp given the impact of current border restrictions and the requirement to quarantine from COVID-19 hotspots.
Pending the COVID-19 situation, the Origin Diamonds plan to play a Constellation Cup test series against the New Zealand Silver Ferns in early 2021 and the squad will come together for another camp prior to this tour.
Netball Australia is appreciative of the support provided by Queensland Health in ensuring the group are able to gather next week in preparation for 2021.
Marinkovich and an Origin Diamonds athlete will be available for interview via Zoom during the camp. Details of this media opportunity will be released next week.
