This week in netball – International netball returns as SSN signings continue
IT has been yet another huge week in netball, with some big announcements during the week adding to the excitement of continued Suncorp Super Netball signings. We take a look at all the biggest netball news in this week’s edition.
The SSN sign and trade period has continued this week, with the second week of movement throwing up some exciting developments. While Sophie Garbin was last week’s only official new signing, this week has seen defender Tara Hinchliffe head up the coast to the Sunshine Coast Lightning while goal attacks Kiera Austin and Tippah Dwan both head south to Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds, respectively. Most of this week’s departures have since been announced to head elsewhere, as teams continue to add exciting talent to their 2022 lists.
Heading across the ditch to New Zealand, and all three matches of the 2021 Cadbury Netball Series between the New Zealand Silver Ferns and England Roses are done and dusted, with England clinching their very first Taini Jamison Trophy in the process. New Zealand claimed the first test of the series off the back of an impressive debutant in Tiana Metuarau, while England bit back to go one-all with a comprehensive win in the second test. The third matchup was a battle of two halves, with the Ferns looking in control early before the injury-ravaged squad was overcome by the Roses on a mission. Metuarau claimed match MVP status for the first outing, with George Fisher earning the nod in the second match and Roses captain Serena Guthrie in the third.
England Netball has since announced that it will host a Vitality Roses Reunited Series in England from November 28 to December 5, hosting Jamaica on home soil and, pending restrictions, with a full capacity crowd for the first time since January, 2020. Roses head coach Jess Thirlby says that the series will play an important role in preparing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with the Jamaican Sunshine Girls in excellent form.
“This is going to be an exciting series for the Vitality Roses and our fans, and is an important part of our preparation for next year’s Commonwealth Games,” Thirlby said. “We’ve missed getting out there in front of a home crowd and this will be an incredible opportunity to play a top team whilst reuniting both the Roses players and our supporters.”
The three-test series will see the opening clash on November 28 at London’s Copper Box Arena, before both nations head to Nottingham for the second and third tests of December 4 and December 5 at Motorpoint Arena.
A little closer to home, Netball Australia has announced that Liz Watson has officially been named 25th captain of the Australian Diamonds, with Steph Wood voted in as vice-captain. The two were voted into the roles by a combination of the Diamonds team members, as well as a selection committee comprised of Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich, Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan and former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis.
“Liz is an incredible person, player and leader and we are thrilled that she will captain the Origin Australian Diamonds,” Marinkovich said. “Liz’s passion and drive for success is evident and she has a fantastic ability to stay calm whilst continuing to empower players around her.
“Steph is an ultimate team player and her leadership reflects the type of person she is – she is highly respected and leads by example on the court.
“This streamlined leadership approach has enabled us to gain a thorough understanding of what qualities our squad values in leadership and the players believe Liz and Steph best reflect these.”
Meanwhile, the Victorian Netball League (VNL) Awards took place over three nights during the week, with a number of players congratulated for their achievements throughout the season.
SSN Signings updates
Full free agency period details: SSN announces 2022 signing period // SSN signings week one: The story so far
2021 SSN signing updates: Monday 20/9 | Tuesday 21/9 | Wednesday 22/9 | Thursday 23/9 | Friday 24/9
Australia
2022 Victorian Netball League Awards
International
2021 New Zealand/England test series preview: Which nation will clinch the Taini Jamison Trophy?
Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3
Compare the Pair: Sophie Dwyer and Filda Vui
Centre Pass Podcast
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