In netball, the Australian Diamonds are preparing for a thrilling four-test home series against South Africa. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich intends to rotate players in and out to give the squad a chance to build for next month’s Constellation Cup. That’s especially true considering the Diamonds had just come off a 339-day stretch since their last competitive match. They are looking to improve after losing a series 3-1 to New Zealand last year, looking to build off of their recent success against South Africa.
The Diamonds’ second Test against South Africa ended in a victory of 64-53. This victory extended their amazing winning streak to 47 games against this rival! Marinkovich emphasized the need for player experimentation and adaptation, stating that “the girls aren’t making it easy in terms of selection.” This further highlights the competitive nature in the team as they continue to push each other to be at their best.
A New Era of Team Dynamics
A smart, calculated approach right now should pay huge dividends for USWNT head coach Stacey Marinkovich going into the knockout rounds. She pointed out the squad’s remarkable diversity. Until then, fans can look forward to witnessing many of these combinations on the court! This flexibility is key to making sure the team is as ready as possible for the Constellation Cup.
“We’ve got a lot of variation with our squad, so you might see some different combinations.” – Stacey Marinkovich
For his part, the coach feels like playing in regional towns such as Wollongong open their own special low-risk path to ongoing improvement. It will be the first time the Diamonds have played in Wollongong in 13 years! This new and creative opportunity will allow them to better interact with local communities and continue developing awareness of the sport.
“It’s really important to bring professional sport to regional towns, especially like this one.” – Cara Koenen
Rising Stars and Team Contributions
The recent match featured standout performances, notably from shooter Cara Koenen, who played a crucial role in securing the victory against South Africa. Koenen credited Alice Teague-Neeld for an excellent first game, stating she has a confidence and freedom to play on the court.
“Having a debut like she did, playing with a whole lot of freedom and confidence… I’m really, really happy to see her in a Diamond dress,” – Cara Koenen
At only 29 years of age, Teague-Neeld comes with a decade of experience from professional leagues. She’s got a great opportunity to leave her legacy on the Diamonds. Her addition makes the squad deeper with tough away matches coming up. Koenen, from Sunshine Coast Lightning, highlighted the importance of taking professional sport to the regions. He knows that communities thrive in the wake of a sporting event.
“Everyone loves their sport in regional towns, I find, and it’s no different here in Wollongong.” – Cara Koenen
Looking Ahead
The Diamonds’ preparations continue ahead of their opener against South Africa. At the same time, Marinkovich is focused on fostering a cut-throat competitive edge among the squad. With so much talent and multiple combinations in her arsenal, she understands how crucial each player’s impact can be.
“You’re never comfortable, and that’s the great thing about international netball. Everyone’s hot on their heels, and we’ve got to be on our best.” – Stacey Marinkovich
