Players to watch: Constellation Cup

By Stephanie Smarrelli 
 
Eleven to two. 

That’s the upper hand the Origin Diamonds have when it comes to Constellation Cup victories over their rival New Zealand. 

Later this month the Diamonds will be looking to make that a 12th series win. But despite the Aussie domination throughout the Constellation Cup’s history the Diamonds still have plenty of work to do. 

And it starts with how they perform across the ditch.  

During the reign of head coach Stacey Marinkovich, the Diamonds have only won once in New Zealand and that was more than three years ago. 
 
The team will set out to rewrite the narrative when they head over to New Zealand for the first two games before hosting the Silver Ferns in Perth and Melbourne. 

These are the players to keep your eye on. 

AUSTRALIA 
Kiera Austin - Goaler 
It’ll come as a surprise to no one to see Austin’s name here. 

The 27-year-old goaler continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the netball court. 

Following a strong season in Suncorp Super Netball, she was in red hot form against the England Roses in September slotting 67 goals at 87 percent.  
 

While she’s a workhorse in and around the goal circle, what sets her apart is her quick transition from attack to defence.  

Against England, the goaler collated a haul of eight gains, seven deflections, six pick ups and four intercepts to be named MVP of the Series. 
 
There’s no doubt the Silver Ferns will have done their homework and will focus their defensive pressure on limiting Austin’s impact when the sides meet this month. 
 
Austin’s ability to continue her form against the pressure cooker the Ferns create will be key if the Aussies are to claim a 12th Constellation Cup. 
 
Paige Hadley - Midcourter 
If you look up the definition of dependable in the dictionary, you’d find Hadley. 
 
The midcourter has talent in spades, she’s an effective link between both ends of the court for the Diamonds. 
 
The 32-year-old is quick on her feet, able to find the perfect gap to take the ball and feed into the circle but also knows when to focus her attention on shutting down an opponent. 

At her best, she’s unstoppable and coming off a strong couple of outings against the Roses she’ll be ready for whatever challenge the Silver Ferns bring. 

Hadley’s experience and cool head under pressure will be crucial when the Diamonds go head-to-head with the Ferns. 

Courtney Bruce - Defender 
Having spent a fair bit of time away from the court this year due to injury, Bruce will be primed to strike against the Ferns. 

The defender has a natural ability to read the play and steal possession no matter who she lines up against. 
 
While we’ve only been treated to glimpses of her prowess throughout 2024 expect her to come out firing. 
 
The last seven times she’s lined up against the Ferns she’s come away with an average of three gains and two intercepts per match. 

How much court time Bruce will get as she comes back from injury remains to be seen but expect her to make an impact when she does take to the court. 

NEW ZEALAND 

Ameliaranne Ekenasio - Goaler 
 While all eyes will undoubtedly be on Swifts recruit Grace Nweke don’t forget to keep an eye on Ferns’ captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio. 

The seasoned campaign is the conductor of the Ferns attack line. She’s elusive and slick in creating a wealth of space and opportunities for her teammates. 

While she doesn’t carry the bulk of the Ferns’ shooting load, she’s a dangerous playmaker in their lineup. 

Plus, she’s not afraid to shoot from a distance if she can’t work herself closer to the post or pass the ball off. 

Maddy Gordon – Midcourter 
A livewire in the midcourt, Gordon has taken her opportunities with both hands over the last few years. 

Ruthless in centre she fights for every ball she can get while working in sync with her teammates to transition from one third to the next. 

The 24-year-old continues to impress as she stakes her claim to become one of the world’s best midcourters. 

She’s a triple threat on the court with the ability to swing in either position on the wing in addition to centre should the occasion arise. 

Gordon’s 2024 ANZ Premiership season was limited by injury but having featured in her side’s Grand Final loss and the Taini Jamison Trophy against England she’ll be ready to go against the Diamonds. 
 

Kelly Jackson (nee Jury)  - Defender 
When New Zealand’s defence comes to mind it’s hard to look past Jackson. 

The defender is known for her suffocating defensive pressure and intercepting skills. 

She dominated throughout last year’s Constellation Cup averaging four gains and two intercepts a game. 

The defender heads into the test series off the back of a standout ANZ Premiership season having topped the league for intercepts, deflections and defensive rebounds. 

The Diamonds will be on high alert when it comes to Jackson and the damage she can inflict to turn a game on its head.  

The Diamonds will need to absorb the pressure from Jackson and the Ferns’ defence if they hope to keep the trophy on Australian soil.