WEST Australian born shooter, Caitlin Bassett is a focal part of the Diamonds and has been for almost 10 years. Since taking the role as captain in 2017, Bassett has not taken a backwards step paving the way for her teammates. She is cool, calm and collected under the post making her an imposing figure for any opposition outfit. But with the goal shooter turning 32 this year, Draft Central takes a look to the future and contemplates some potential players that could take the reins when Bassett retires from international duties.

Liz Watson:

The wing attack is one of, if not the classiest, midcourter in the world with her silky skills constantly on display. She is a smooth mover and works extremely hard across the court credit to her high endurance and netball IQ. With the vice-captaincy under her belt both at the Diamonds and Melbourne Vixens, Watson could be an ideal option to take the reins when the time comes. She is a versatile player that can easily control the tempo of the game with her change of pace. Watson has proven that she has what it takes to stand up under pressure and can make changes depending on what the team needs switching seamlessly into centre from her preferred wing attack position. her ability to understand the game, hit the circle edge with precision and treasure the ball makes her a key component of the Diamonds squad. She is not overawed by the physicality of the game and has strong connections across the court, allowing herself to assert her dominance when need be.

Gretel Bueta:

Bueta has quickly become one of the most damaging players on the netball court. Her sheer athleticism, dynamic movement and strength is unmatched and while she is not the most orthodox shooter that is what makes her so exciting. Her unpredictable game play provides that spark on the court and can lift a team when they are struggling to get going and generate that winning momentum. Over the past 12 months, Bueta blossomed into a key figure under the post for the Diamonds credit to her netball smarts and ability to adapt her game play. Her ability to consistently stand up under pressure and apply defensive pressure gives her that extra element of star power throw in her general spatial awareness and aerial ability and Bueta is one of the most influential players on court. She can move between goal attack and goal shooter with ease and while she plays with a unique sense of flair and physicality, Bueta has displayed that she is not afraid to take the game on and lead the team to success.

Courtney Bruce:

Already captain of the West Coast Fever, Bruce has shown that she has the leadership and general netball nous to lead a team both on and off the court. She helped to guide her side to the Suncorp Super Netball grand final in 2018 and while they did not win, she played an integral role. She oozes excitement and skill able to take the ball at full flight and swat away any passes. Although she can be costly at times when it comes to penalties, it is her innate ability to win ball back that makes her a true star. Bruce can easily sense the moment and force a turnover or create something out of nothing thanks to her read of the play, quick feet and sense of urgency. While the goal keeper is 26 she has been a key cog in the Diamonds line-up for a long time and has a wealth of experience at the highest level possible. Playing alongside the likes of Laura Geitz and fellow seasoned defenders Bruce has developed into a game changer and a source of inspiration on court for many teammates.