By Stephanie Smarrelli
As the Origin Australian Diamonds return home from Cape Town with the Quad Series trophy we’ve analysed the five big things we’ve learned during the series as international netball’s attention turns to the Netball World Cup.
Don’t count the Diamonds out early
Despite winning just one first quarter throughout the 2023 Quad Series the Diamonds were able to capitalise on strong second and third quarters to win every match. When the heat was on the Diamonds found another gear to move into and worked through their issues on the court.
Silver Ferns stood to the challenge
New Zealand will be a threat come the Netball World Cup finals for whoever they face if they get there.
The Silver Ferns challenged the Diamonds and their opposition throughout the Quad Series. The experienced heads of defenders Jane Watson, Karin Burger, Kelly Jury and Phoenix Karaka shone throughout the series as did midcourters Kate Heffernan and Gina Crampton.
The Silver Ferns have plenty of star power in defence.While shooter Grace Nweke was named Player of the Series for her consistently accurate performances.
You can’t underestimate the host nation
South Africa cannot be underestimated on their home turf. Under the leadership of one of netball’s great coaches Norma Plummer AM and with Karla Pretorius and Lenize Potgieter back to some of their best netball the home side will pose a real threat at the Netball World Cup.
Although they lost all their Quad Series match ups except the one they drew against England, the SPAR Proteas were able to pull together some strong quarters and passages of play.
Ine-Mari Venter found herself free time and time again while Bongiwe Msomi and Khanyisa Chawane were fluid throughout the midcourt. If they can find some more consistency and clean up some of the high penalties they will be a real challenge for teams at the World Cup.
Don’t write-off the Roses
England were far from their best throughout the Quad Series, however, they’ve got talent from end to end who can match it with the best.
The Roses struggled throughout the Quad Series but could bounce back at the World Cup.Funmi Fadoju averaged just short of six gains a match during the Quad Series while down the other end of the court Eleanor Cardwell confidently carried the shooting load at 89 per cent in the matches she played.
Despite their performance at the Quad Series with the Netball World Cup not until July and a squad full of experienced netballers like Jade Clarke, Helen Housby, Jo Harten, Geva Mentor, Natalie Metcalf and Layla Guscoth it would be amiss to write the Roses off.
Diamonds depth a headache for selectors
The Diamonds depth will create a headache for selectors come the Netball World Cup.
It was shooters galore with Sophie Garbin standing tall in the goal circle alongside Steph Wood, Cara Koenen, Sophie Dwyer and Kiera Austin. Cara and Steph were outstanding in the Quad Series final against New Zealand averaging 90 per cent accuracy with Koenen only missing a single shot.
There’s also a case for Donnell Wallam who was impressive in the 2022 Australia vs England series and if she returns, Gretel Bueta who played a key role in the Diamonds 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal.
It’s hard to predict who will be selected in the elusive World Cup team and earn a spot on the plane come July with so many options in the shooting circle.
The depth of talent across the Diamonds team will make it difficult for selectors to decide who gets on the plane to the World Cup in July.There’s also a wealth of talent in the midcourt with Austin able to swing out to wing attack and play alongside fellow midcourters Liz Watson, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Paige Hadley and Ash Brazill. All midcourters selected put out consistently strong performances during the Quad Series with Diamonds squad members Amy Parmenter and Maddy Proud also in the mix despite not being selected for the series.
In defence Tara Hinchliffe certainly put her hand up in her Origin Diamonds debut with four gains and two intercepts in just over a half of netball. While Sunday Aryang reminded selectors of her versatility by playing in wing defence as well as goal defence and Courtney Bruce and Sarah Klau continued to be impressive.
Jo Weston missed the series due to injury as did Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Maddy Turner who missed out on selection for the Quad Series team but are in the Diamonds squad.
