EXCITEMENT is building in the Australian Diamonds camp as the preparations for the upcoming Quad Series in England come to a head.

Speaking to the media yesterday from their pre series camp, captain Liz Watson and coach Stacey Marinkovich spoke of the readiness of the team, as well as some of the protocols the team have faced as part of the new norm of competing in a pandemic.

“The group’s feeling really comfortable with the protocols we’ve put in place and I know all countries in organising this event have gone to the nth degree to put as many safeguards around the players and the staff involved, so really comfortable. It’s more the excitement the excitement playing international netball.”

Some of the girls, including skipper Watson, entered isolation precautions at Christmas time, and have been in bubble precautions ever since.

The Diamonds girls will be in a strict bubble while over there in the UK. They will only be interacting with the other teams while playing them on the court. Testing will also be very regular, and the Diamonds players won’t be allowed to go and explore London. This is to ensure the safety of the team and ensure the series can go ahead.

Watson fans will be pleased to know that the Diamonds captain is available for selection, and in the words of Marinkovich is “ready and raring to go”.

Although they haven’t had as much international netball under their belts as their upcoming opponents have, both Marinkovich and Watson are not worried about it.

“I think this is where we’ve had a really good focus around what we need to do and while it would be ideal to have the preparation against the other teams in the lead-up to, it’s given us time to really hone in on what’s important to us and make sure that each time we have been able to come together has been really purposeful, and making sure that we’ve been able to work on obviously our game plan and the exciting thing is now we’ll been able to see where we’re at and what gaps we need to fill going into the Commonwealth Games,” Marinkovich said.

Despite the lack of series together, the team is able to utilise many combinations from the Suncorp Super Netball competition, including the likes of Watson and Kate Moloney from the Vixens.

There has been a strong focus surrounding communication on court, and if that can increase Marinkovich believes it can be a strong facet of this team.

The 2022 Quad series will take place at Copper Box Arena in London from January 16-20. The series will see the Australian Diamonds come up against the England Roses, New Zealand Silver Ferns and South Africa Spar Proteas.

Australian Diamonds squad

GOALERS

Gretel Bueta
Sophie Dwyer
Sophie Garbin
Cara Koenen
Steph Wood (VC)

MIDCOURTERS

Ash Brazill
Paige Hadley
Kate Moloney
Jamie-Lee Price
Liz Watson (C)

DEFENDERS

Sunday Aryang
Courtney Bruce
Sarah Klau
Maddy Turner
Jo Weston