WITH the 2019 Quad Series nearing, the Diamonds released an unchanged squad to take on New Zealand, England and South Africa. Australia will travel to England in January to partake in the series in hope to claim bragging rights.

It will be the last international competition before the World Cup in July where all eyes will turn to see who takes out gold. Australia has been dominant on the international stage and will be looking to cement themselves as the number one netball nation.

In the last Quad Series and Constellation Cup, Australian coach Lisa Alexander toyed with the line-up showcasing a heap of combinations across the court especially in the centre third. With superstar, Kim Ravaillion taking time out of the squad Alexander has had to find a replacement for the gut running and defensive centre. In her place, players such as Kate Moloney and Liz Watson have been rotated through the centre position in hope to find the best possible combination.

While in at wing attack, speedster Kelsey Browne has made that spot her own since her debut in September. Her precision with ball in hand and ability to hit the circle edge is impressive. While her speed and her fancy footwork to shake off defenders makes her a surety in the Quad Series line-up.

With a wealth of talent in the shooting circle, Alexander has had her work cut out in finalising a starting seven with captain Caitlin Bassett and former Collingwood shooting superstar Caitlin Thwaites both vying for the same spot. The two goal shooters have proven that accuracy and volume is no issue, posting high numbers. However, they both play very different game styles with Bassett playing a more holding goal shooter role as opposed to Thwaites who allows for a moving circle.

In at goal attack Steph Wood and Gretel Tippett have been named in the side. Wood offers a more traditional goal attack role sweeping across the goal circle pairing well with Diamonds captain Bassett. Whereas, standing at 191cm Tippett offers a great target in the circle with her athleticism and unpredictability keeping the opposition on edge. Though her athleticism is a real feature of her game, her accuracy to post has steadily improved along with her volume and ability to get her teammates involved is a crucial element in her game.

Defensively, the Diamonds are solid with Courtney Bruce, Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and April Brandley all being named in the squad. The defensive combination across the board works well together with Bruce prone to go out hunting for the big intercept while the likes of Weston and Brandley play a more tagging role.

To round out the team vice-captain Gabi Simpson is set to take part in the series along with young gun Jamie-Lee Price in at wing defence. Simpson’s ability to cover her opponent’s preliminary moves and closing speed is a real asset to the Diamonds. While Price offers a very similar set of skills, renowned for impressive hands over pressure and ability to get clever tips to disrupt the play.