Diamonds squad assembled, now destiny awaits in Birmingham
THE final 12 player Diamonds squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has been released.
The original squad of 20 has been whittled down to a squad of 12 plus three travelling reserves.
Only four members of the squad from the last Commonwealth Games have made the squad again -Captain Liz Watson, Vice-Captain Steph Wood, Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce.
Ash Brazill’s tough decision to step away from AFLW earlier this year to focus on making the Diamonds team has paid off, with the Pies Co-Captain making the final team.
The three travelling reserves for the Commonwealth Games are GIANT Jamie-Lee Price and Firebirds pair Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Donnell Wallam.
The unfortunate members of the original squad of 20 to miss out were Pie Sophie Garbin, GIANTS duo Sophie Dwyer and Amy Parmenter, and Swifts pair Maddy Proud and Maddy Turner.
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich spoke of the incredible talent she has at her disposal to pick the final squad.
“We have such great depth of talent in Australian netball, across every position on the court, and I congratulate the 12 athletes who have been selected to compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games” Marinkovich said.
“Selection for any international series – especially the Commonwealth Games – is never easy.”
“I’m incredibly excited to work with this group of athletes and build on our connection both on and off the court, starting with a training camp in Perth next month.”
Captain Watson spoke of her excitement ahead of the Games.
“I am incredibly excited to be playing alongside some of the best netballers in the world, and I can’t wait to see what this team can do in Birmingham,” she said.
“We’ve all grown up watching and dreaming about the Commonwealth Games, and we hope to inspire the nation when we step onto the court to represent Australia.”
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham, England from 28th July to 8th August, with the Netball program running between the 29th July and 7th August.
2022 Diamonds Commonwealth Games Final Squad
Shooters: Kiera Austin, Gretel Bueta, Cara Koenen and Steph Wood (VC)
Midcourters: Ash Brazill, Paige Hadley, Kate Moloney and Liz Watson (Captain)
Defenders: Sunday Aryang, Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau and Jo Weston
Travelling Reserves: Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Jamie-Lee Price and Donnell Wallam