THE FIRST Australian team of the international season has been announced, with the squad for the Fast5 World Series announced this morning.
A list of 10 players has been revealed, with the Swifts and Fever the only SSN clubs not represented in the squad. Unsurprisingly the recently crowned champions the Adelaide Thunderbirds have the most players in the squad with three – Lucy Austin, Lauren Frew and Tayla Williams.
The Swifts do however get representation in the Reserves list, with Sophie Fawns and Teigan O’Shannassy named for the tournament alongside Amy Sligar.
The Australian team will be coached by Anita Keelan, who will be supported by West Coast Fever’s talent coach Guy Keane.
Speaking on the announcement, Keelan said “the FAST5 competition is a great opportunity to expose Australian athletes to international netball.”
“I’m thrilled to be coaching this group of talented athletes alongside Guy Keane and our support staff.
“I can’t wait to see the development of the Australian FAST5 team at the Netball World Series as we focus on implementing performance behaviours and executing skills that are paramount to the Australian brand of netball.”
The 2024 Fast5 World Series will take place in Christchurch, New Zealand from November 9 to 10, and will see teams from Australia, England, Jamaica, South Africa and Uganda compete. Men’s teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will also compete across the weekend. The Australian men’s team – the Kelpies – announced their squad for the series a few weeks ago.
2024 Australian FAST5 Netball World Series Team
Lucy Austin
Ruby Bakewell-Doran
Reilley Batcheldor
Rudi Ellis
Lauren Frew
Kim Jenner
Matisse Letherbarrow
Leesa Mi Mi
Zara Walters
Tayla Williams
Reserves
Sophie Fawns
Amy Sligar
Teigan O’Shannassy
Australian Kelpies’ FAST5 Netball World Series Team
Liam Forcadilla
Liam Killey
Dravyn Lee-Tauroa
Zac Mabilia
Joe Miller
Wade Moore
Ronan Pring
Alastair Punshon
Jordon Webb
Will Whitecare