THE fourth and final game of the Constellation Cup marks the decider with the Silver Ferns currently sitting one game clear – but the Diamonds can catch up if they win in Perth on Sunday. Australia suffered another one goal less in their last outing and will be seeking vengeance in Game 4 to maintain the trophy meanwhile the Ferns will be hoping to claim bragging rights over their Trans-Tasman rivals, having not held the Cup in seven years.

The loss of midcourter Paige Hadley has plagued the Diamonds, with the squad unable to have the same flexibility and versatility across the court. However, the loss has given Laura Scherian the chance to really cement her spot in the side using her speed, quick hands and confidence to deliver carefully crafted passes into the circle. But given that it is her first international test series, Scherian has gone missing at times credit to the immense pressure applied by Katrina Rore, with the towering wing defence blocking her vision and causing hesitation. Although not in her usual position of wing attack, Liz Watson has taken ownership of the centre bib and third for Australia, but has been beaten by the class and endurance of Silver Ferns opponent Laura Langman in both of Australia’s losses. Langman is simply the gift that keeps on giving, willing her side on and doing the unthinkable to spark New Zealand into action. Ash Brazill has gotten better as time goes on and has relished the court time displaying her sheer athleticism to deflect and pressure the passes going into the circle. Not typically renowned for her shut down style role, Brazill has adapted nullifying the likes of Gina Crampton and Shannon Saunders by shutting down their space and mirroring their every move. Fellow wing defence, Jamie-Lee Price could also be an option in the final game given her tight marking and speed off the stop to shut down the New Zealand front end.

New Zealand have a plethora of options in the goal circle with the tried and tested duo of Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maria Folau causing the most havoc for the Diamonds. Folau and Ekenasio can shoot from anywhere in the circle and rotate seamlessly through the circle creating headaches for the Aussie defenders. In what could be her last international game, long bomb specialist, Folau will be looking to continue her hot form and remain unfazed by the physical nature of Courtney Bruce and Jo Weston. Bailey Mes has proved to be an impact player for the Ferns with the goal shooter making the most of her athletic traits and ability to reel in stray passes. The Diamonds will be looking to assert themselves early in the defensive circle with both Bruce and Weston renowned for their attacking mentality and skill to hunt the ball. Despite being named in the squad, Maddy Turner has yet to get a game and could be an exciting option heading into the final game of the series especially given her combination with Sarah Klau. The Swifts defender has plenty of versatility able to switch out to goal defence if needed which could provide a different look for the Diamonds defensive unit and catch the Ferns off guard.

The shooting combination has chopped and changed for the Diamonds throughout the Constellation Cup, with coach Lisa Alexander not afraid to ring in the changes to find the winning combination. All in all, towering goal attack Gretel Tippett has been a shining light for the Aussies only missing two goals throughout the three matches and will be hoping to maintain her accuracy. She has imposed herself with her commanding presence, attacking mentality and strength making her hard to stop when on song. Captain, Caitlin Bassett has had an up and down series thus far while Caitlin Thwaites has showcased her accuracy and range when brought on, backing herself from range and converting. Although shaky at times when the pressure is piled on, Tegan Philip has been solid for the Diamonds but will have to work wonders if she is any chance to steal the starting position from Tippett. That being said, Philips’ combination with Thwaites is tried and true with the pair working well in tandem. The Ferns have toyed with their defensive pairings but the duo of Karin Burger and Jane Watson has paid dividends throughout the series. Watson is not afraid to hunt the ball using her speed, height and timing to full advantage while Burger uses her physicality to get under the skin of her opponents. Phoenix Karaka is also a handy inclusion with her aerial ability making for another tight and physical battle in the goal circle.