DESPITE there being no international series in 2020 the Australian Diamonds have released the Development Squad consisting of 14 up-and-coming prospects. The squad welcomes seven fresh faces credit to the number of young guns stepping up to the plate in the Super Netball season, while five of the 14 players listed in the Squad hail from the Queensland Firebirds showcasing their much improved season.

A couple of players to miss out on Diamonds selection in Kate Eddy and Amy Parmenter both made their way onto the list given their stellar seasons. Contending with an ankle injury, Eddy is preparing for the grand final on the weekend for the Melbourne Vixens with the defender boasting a wealth of versatility to swing between wing defence and circle defence. Her arms over pressure and quick foot work is paramount to her game play and will only further thrive in a high performance environment while Parmenter was a key cog for the GIANTS throughout the Super Netball season with her defensive pressure and attacking mentality constantly on show. Fellow defender Maddy Turner has also been named in the Development Squad after getting the call-up to the Diamonds late last year but struggled to live up to her lofty standards after battling injury throughout the season.

After a  breakout season Tippah Dwan earned a spot in the Squad with the goal attack proving she can turn it on within a blink of an eye. Her long bomb shooting, smooth movement and playmaking abilities makes her an exciting prospect for the future. She is joined by fellow newcomers and Queensland Firebirds teammates Lara Dunkley and Mahalia Cassidy who rose to the occasion throughout the season with their hard drives, silky hands and clever work around circle edge. Tara Hinchliffe and Jemma Mi Mi also return to the Development Squad after consistent seasons for the Firebirds with Hinchliffe elevating her game through increased hands over pressure and reduced penalties to stay in play while the livewire in Mi Mi generates plenty of excitement with her vision and quick feet.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds boast a couple of selections with Sasha Glasgow and Maisie Nankivell getting the nod in the Squad for the first time. Despite Glasgow not getting a wealth of court time throughout the season she proved her worth thanks to her rebounding ability and aerial strength. Nankivell kicked it up a gear showcasing her versatility to seamlessly transition from wing defence to centre to wing attack without losing her drive or defensive traits. The only other newcomer is Lauren Moore who set the court alight for the NSW Swifts especially at the start of the season, bursting out of the blocks with her slick footwork, speed to get to contests and intercepting ability.

A rise up the ladder for West Coast Fever has seen a couple of their young up and coming players rewarded for their efforts throughout the season with Alice Teague-Neeld the most notable. The goal attack has been a key difference in 2020 for the Fever with her increased drive in the attacking third and hot hand on the feed paying dividends for her team’s success and while she does not offer a wealth of shots it is her playmaking skill that sets her apart. Olivia Lewis has been key when on court for the Fever, able to provide plenty of defensive pressure and reads the play well while Collingwood goal defence Matilda Garrett has shown glimpses thanks to her lean over the shot and court coverage but will be looking to solidify her skillset.

2020/21 Australian Development Squad

Mahalia Cassidy (Queensland Firebirds)
Lara Dunkley (Queensland Firebirds)
Tippah Dwan (Queensland Firebirds)
Kate Eddy (Melbourne Vixens)
Matilda Garrett (Collingwood Magpies)
Sasha Glasgow (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Tara Hinchliffe (Queensland Firebirds)
Olivia Lewis (West Coast Fever)
Jemma Mi Mi (Queensland Firebirds)
Lauren Moore (NSW Swifts)
Maisie Nankivell (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Amy Parmenter (GIANTS Netball)
Alice Teague-Neeld (West Coast Fever)
Maddy Turner (NSW Swifts)

Courtside comments:

Tippah Dwan // Kate Eddy // Tara Hinchliffe // Lauren Moore // Maisie Nankivell // Alice Teague-Neeld //