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.
Diamonds delve into positives despite disapointing result
DESPITE having already lost the series, the Australian Diamonds still came away from Wednesday night’s final Constellation Cup match with something to smile about having convincingly won the final test. Reflecting on it all post match, Diamonds’ head coach Stacey Marinkovich described the importance of winning the match to bookend the year as “huge”. “I […]
Silver Ferns don’t clean sweep but still come away happy
WEDNESDAY’s final Constellation Cup match brought mixed emotions for New Zealand, because although they lost that match they were still able to celebrate post match because they had already won the whole series. Speaking after Wednesday night’s final test of the series, Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was reflective of it all. “I thought […]
Kelpies big winners, but big picture shows plenty to still be done
DESPITE how things went for the Australian Diamonds in their recent Constellation Cup series against New Zealand, things could not have been more different for the Australian Kelpies, who clean swept their series with the Kiwis after a 71 to 39 goal win in game four yesterday. Speaking after yesterday’s match, star Kelpies’ defender Josh […]
Diamonds win match, but Kiwis still come away with big prize
THE AUSTRALIAN Diamonds have avoided an undesired series whitewash against New Zealand, winning the final match of the 2024 Constellation Cup 63 goals to 50. Proceedings were tight early, but then the Diamonds were able to really put their foot down in the second and third quarters to really open up the game on […]
Lightning strikes twice for Hobson
IMAGINE going in for a routine scan to see how your body is holding up and being told you had no ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Being told that the previous surgery you had five years ago wasn’t performed correctly. Being told you had to have a corrective surgery right when you were climbing up ever […]
Kiwis claim series over disappointed Aussies
NEW ZEALAND has won the 2024 Constellation Cup after beating Australia 61-43 in the third test to claim the series. Diamonds’ coach Stacey Marinkovich swung the changes pre match, making three changes to the match day squad and a couple to the starting seven, but ultimately the outcome was the same result. By contrast New […]
NXT Gen League details revealed
IT WAS another important day in English netball overnight with important information released about the new Under 23 feeder league for the Netball Super League (NSL). Confirmed as the NXT Gen League, it has been designed as a development league for younger players trying to get into the NSL. Although most players named in the […]
Kiwis go two up, but not all hope lost for Aussies
NEW ZEALAND’S stranglehold of Constellation Cup matches in New Zealand has continued, after downing Australia again to take a 2-0 lead in the 2024 series. In what might have felt like a sense of déjà vu for Australia and its fans, New Zealand had a strong first half which really catapulted them to the successful […]
Celtic Cup squads begin to be announced
THREE of the four nations competing at the upcoming Celtic Cup have announced their squads for the series over the last few days. Northern Ireland has arguably the biggest names of the three announced squads so far, with Netball Super League stalwarts Michelle Magee, Emma Magee and Niamh Cooper all included. Northern Ireland coach Shenoah […]
