IN a look to the future the Australian Diamonds have announced their squad for the upcoming Constellation Cup series with a number of new faces joining the fray. Boasting a mix of seasoned campaigners, returnees and youngsters the Diamonds will be hoping to keep their winning record intact against New Zealand as they partake in a four game series beginning March 2 in Christchurch.

After a standout season in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) it is no surprise that livewire defender Kim Jenner has gotten the call up. With plenty of tenacity, an insatiable thirst for intercepts and impressive closing speed the 22-year-old and Queensland Firebirds representative will be chomping at the bit. Speaking of Firebirds representatives, defensive spearhead Gabi Simpson is once again back in the fold with the specialist wing defence donning an impressive leap, aerial presence and good old fashioned niggle around the court. Meanwhile surprise packet Tippah Dwan and the ever reliable Tara Hinchliffe have also been invited to join the Diamonds squad over in New Zealand.

Versatility is proving to be key through the midcourt for the Diamonds as Jess Anstiss and Maddy Proud make their way into the side. It will be a debut appearance for Verity Charles when she steps out on court for the Diamonds with the 29-year-old West Coast Fever centre impressing throughout her 2020 campaign with her speed, quick hands and vision into the circle coming to the fore. After sometime on the outskirts when it comes to Diamonds selection, Melbourne Vixens premiership winning captain Kate Moloney is back in the mix with the inspirational leader able to dictate the flow in both attack and defence with her never say die attitude, courage and read of the play while Jamie-Lee Price has also been given the nod.

Cara Koenen has made her way onto the Diamonds list with the Sunshine Coast Lightning goaler oozing adaptability, strength and game smarts to alternate between goal shooter and goal attack with Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin also flexible options in attack.

Despite a couple of changing faces there are plenty of staples amongst the mix with captain Caitlin Bassett once again spearheading the attack. A rock under the post, Bassett will be hoping that her signature skills of accuracy and quick thinking guide her side to another Constellation Cup victory. Liz Watson will likely link up with her captain in attack given her dominance around circle edge. Meanwhile down the other end Jo Weston is once again set to be commanding threat with her long ranging arms, sharp footwork and defensive pressure alongside goal keeper Courtney Bruce who is renowned for her added physicality under the post and ball winning ways.

There a couple of notable absentees with the highly athletic Gretel Bueta not named after giving birth at the start of the year, while Emily Mannix and Steph Wood are both not available for the Constellation Cup.

In her first outing as Diamonds coach, Stacey Marinkovich is excited about the list she has put together while also noting that the absence of a couple of key players will allow the next generation of stars to step up to the plate.

“It’s unfortunate that we will be without Steph, Emily and Gretel for this test series, but the silver lining is that we’re able to expose Tippah and Tara, two of our most promising up-and-comers, to our Diamonds environment when they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain this experience so early on in their careers,” she said.

2021 Constellation Cup squad list:

Jess Anstiss
Kiera Austin
Caitlin Bassett
Courtney Bruce
Verity Charles
Sophie Garbin
Paige Hadley
Kim Jenner
Cara Koenen
Sarah Klau
Jamie-Lee Price
Maddy Proud
Kate Moloney
Gabi Simpson
Liz Watson
Jo Weston