Wood signs off after achieving Diamonds “dream”
DIAMONDS star Steph Wood officially stepped down from international duties, announcing her retirement at the conclusion of Australia’s Netball World Cup success. Citing it as being the “right time”, Wood said she was privileged to don the green and gold more than 50 times since making her debut in 2016.
“It was a dream of mine to play for the Diamonds and the past seven years have been amazing,” Wood said.
“The friendships and relationships that I have made are lifelong and the experiences that we have all shared are some of the best memories. “It feels like the right time for me to make way for the next generation of Diamonds. I am very content with what I have achieved and given to international netball.”
Now 31 years-old, Wood played 56 test caps for the Australian Diamonds, making her debut in the 2016 Netball Quad Series in South Africa, and fittingly put a full stop on her glowing green and gold career in the same nation.
Australia won its 12th Netball World Cup last week, defeating England in the Gold Medal Match to finish Wood’s career on a high. Having also won a Gold Medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the predominant goal attack has achieved all there is to achieve on the international stage.
Wood was named vice-captain of the Diamonds in 2021, and completed the full set of international tournaments, including wins in the Netball Quad Series (2022-23), Constellation Cup (2022) and England Series (2022).
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich paid tribute to Wood, with Diamond #170 having a profound impact on the biggest of stages.
“Steph has made a significant contribution not only to the on-court performance of the Diamonds but also to the Sisters in Arms legacy,” Marinkovich said.
“She has shown a unique craft with the ball – she has been the playmaker for the Diamonds attack end for many years, causing a headache to every opposition we’ve faced.
“While Steph steps away from an on-court role, she will forever be connected to the Diamonds as #170.”
Wood will not be lost to the Australian netball community as the smart shooter will continue at domestic level, where she is the captain of the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Always known for her court IQ and ability to both fire from range and find her shooting teammate, Wood will be long remembered for her impact on and off the court.
Sharp shooter taking advantage of opportunities
YOU would think being 5’10 would be tall. In general yes, but this day in the age of netball, that is seen as being on the shorter side, especially as a shooter. Nowadays you see 6 ‘5 shooters like Grace Nweke, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Caitlin Bassett. Jess Tetley has figured out how to turn her […]
England draws first blood in the Horizon Series
ENGLAND has taken a 1-0 lead over Jamaica in the four match Horizon Series. After a nail biting finish to the first game 24 hours ago, England has claimed the first win of the series. After a tight first half, the Roses shifted into gear to win the match by eight-goals thanks to brilliant defence. […]
Horizon Series begins in a 49-all draw
A DRAW kicked off the Horizon Series between England and Jamaica thanks to clinical end-to-end transition from the Jamaicans. A 49-49 result summed up the calibre of both of these sides with several big time players shining throughout. A formidable defensive end for the Sunshine Girls was up against an ever so growing shooting combination […]
PREVIEW | 2024 Horizon Series
THE LAST international series between the big countries of world netball gets underway this weekend as England and Jamaica battle it out for the 2024 Horizon Series. The first two matches will be played in the AO Arena in Manchester, before the series heads to Kingston in Jamaica a week later for tests three and […]
Country star Lavis takes major leaps to get a taste of SSN
TRAVELLING from Victoria-New South Wales border into Melbourne multiple times a week would take a toll on any person. Numerous hours in the car, training for two hours, then having to drive back. It’s an endless cycle. Mia Lavis has learnt to adapt to that being from the country town of Howlong, but she appreciates […]
2025 Suncorp Super Netball fixture revealed
STARTING on April 5 2025, the Suncorp Super Netball fixture was announced with big matchups and a split round included in the 14-round season, which will end on July 13. Opening the new season, the Adelaide Thunderbirds will play the Melbourne Vixens in a Grand Final rematch, while First Nations Round will be played in […]
Fast5 Netball: Australia takes home the double against the Kiwis
THIS year’s Fast5 competition was a fruitful one for the Australian men’s and women’s teams, taking home the gold after two days play in Christchurch. The Australian Women won their third consecutive campaign after claiming the title, whereas the New Zealand Men missed out on the treble this year after the Aussies turned the tables […]
PREVIEW | Fast 5 World Series
THE INTERNATIONAL netball season heads for a more of a light hearted turn this weekend with the annual Fast 5 World Series taking place across the ditch in New Zealand. For the next two days, six women’s teams and three mens teams from around the world will descend on Christchurch for a very different version […]
Charlotte Sexton’s dreams are becoming a reality
“I WANT to make Suncorp Super Netball, not sure how many years I’m off doing that, but hopefully a training partner role is the next step.” Little did Charlotte Sexton know, that statement would soon become a reality. Sexton was announced as one of the five training partners with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2025 […]
