THE 2021 Constellation Cup is only days away and boasting a new and inexperienced shooting line the Diamonds have a number of options to keep the Silver Ferns on their toes. With three debutants named in the side there are plenty of moving parts when looking at the Diamonds shooting circle but one thing that is likely to remain the same is Caitlin Bassett in goal shooter. As the most experienced goaler in the squad, it is fair to assume that she will get the nod in the starting goal shooter position, with the other three youngsters vying for the role out the front in goal attack. We compare each player’s style.

Kiera Austin:
Austin is a real playmaker out the front using her crafty court play to create attacking forays and open up space. Boasting a willingness to go to post from range and use her timing to glide into the circle or exploit her pace along the baseline, Austin will play a solid complementary role to Bassett under the post. Having spent time together at the GIANTS the two are familiar with their respective game styles and overall movement in the attacking third making them a likely combination. Slightly shorter than the likes of Garbin and Koenen, Austin has that nippy style of play to dart around the court and weave her way through the attacking third to lose her defender. Austin is accustomed to that feeding role, also able to ply her trade out in wing attack, highlighting her netball nous to deliver the ball on a silver platter for the holding Bassett under the post.

Sophie Garbin:
A strong competitor in the air, it is fair to say that Garbin does some of her best work when sitting in goal shooter however that is not to say that she is not a real workhorse in goal attack. With good timing and strength, Garbin is able to use her frame to manoeuvre around her opponent whether it be inside the circle or out the front. She is strong on the rebound and while Garbin is not the quickest player, she uses her fancy footwork to influence the play. Able to shoot from range or directly under the post, Garbin is an exciting prospect however the question will revolve around whether or not she can gel with Bassett. Given she is a taller player that prefers to hold under the post, both Garbin and Bassett display similar traits and could clash given their relative similarity on court.

Cara Koenen:
Much like Garbin, Koenen is more accustomed to the goal shooter position but can also effectively push out to goal attack. With extra centimetres compared to the average goal attack, Koenen uses her height at the centre pass to provide an easy outlet and is deceptively quick on her feet. With a deft touch and quick thinking, Koenen has proven her ability to have an influence out the front with her quick release into the circle. If she gets the nod alongside Bassett, expect the two play more of a Gretel Bueta and Bassett style of game in terms of having two tall timbers inside the circle. Although Koenen does not possess the same athleticism and physicality of Bueta, she is quite mobile and has a burst of speed that could really complement Bassett’s game style.