IN the wake of Caitlin Thwaites international retirement, we assess some potential options to fill her shoes in the Diamonds squad. We consider their impact at Suncorp Super Netball level and their scope for further development.

Cara Koenen (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

The goal shooter well and truly burst onto the scene in the latter stage of 2019 with her hard work, strong movement and commanding presence a key feature of her game play. She imposed herself on the game allowing her timing and accuracy to post to do all the talking time and time again. Koenen proved that height would not inhibit her movement able to manoeuvre around the court and use her footwork to secure prime positioning under the post. She finished the season with 283 goals from 315 attempts at 90 per cent, along with 22 rebounds. Koenen has spent time with Australian Diamonds captain, Caitlin Bassett and Steph Wood in the circle with all three previously playing at the Sunshine Coast Lightning together making for a potential reunion if Koenen was to get the call up to the Diamonds.

Kiera Austin (GIANTS Netball)

Despite not having a wealth of court time throughout 2019, Austin made sure that she had an impact when she did make her way on court, whether it be in wing attack or shooting. She displayed her netball smarts able to work the ball down the court with ease and expose her oppositions weakness and deliver well weighted passes into the goal circle. Her movement is silky while her accuracy to post is solid when given the chance slotting 40 goals from 51 attempts along with 69 goal assists. Having played with Bassett in season 2019 she clearly has an understanding of how the goal shooter works and is able to adapt her game to suit her style making her a promising prospect for future international commitments.

Sophie Garbin (NSW Swifts)

The goal shooter plays a similar role to that of the retiring Thwaites, able to hold strong and get on the move when needed. Her versatility has developed throughout the year able to switch from goal shooter to goal attack while still putting up her fair share of shots. She is a strong presence under the post able to use her feet to get to the ball and position cleverly. She only missed 19 shots from her time on court in 2019 with 98 goals from 117 attempts highlighting her ability to have an influence on the court along with her consistency.

Tegan Philip (Melbourne Vixens)

Despite playing with the Diamonds in the recent Constellation Cup, Philip could find herself with a more regular role next international season. She offers plenty of speed and crafty off the body work to open up space and while she typically plays goal attack can slot into the goal shooter role if someone like Gretel Tippett is out the front. Her accuracy is solid and can provide an option inside the goal circle with her strong drives and front position. Given her experience with the likes of Bassett and Tippett she could quite easily be the one, coach Lisa Alexander turns to in 2020 to fulfil the shooting role.