The four-Test Constellation Cup is here, as netball’s greatest rivals go head-to-head for bragging rights leading into a World Cup year.
The Diamonds go in as the reigning Commonwealth Games gold medallists, while the Silver Ferns remain the Constellation Cup champions after their 2021 series win.
Australia has suffered the big loss of goal attack Gretel Bueta, after she announced she was pregnant with her second child earlier this month.
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Midcourter Ash Brazill is also missing from the gold medal-winning squad after returning to the AFLW with Collingwood.
But there’s plenty of opportunities for the likes of Sophie Dwyer and Amy Parmenter to push their case for a ticket to South Africa for the World Cup in 2023.
The Silver Ferns have been bolstered by the inclusion of Ameliaranne Ekenasio after the birth of her second child.
Ekenasio comes straight back as New Zealand skipper.
Our Fox Netball experts predict who wins, who to watch and the match-up to remember.
Kim Green
Who wins? Australia 3-1
Building off the confidence of the Commonwealth Games, Australia will continue to create mayhem all over the court. Expect to see many new combinations and opportunities to solidify positions going into the World Cup next year.
Player of the series? Courtney Bruce
She will play both GK and GD this series and will need to lead a fairly new defensive combination around her. She is built for the big stage and will create havoc amongst the Ferns attackers.
Player to watch? Sarah Klau
Klau has an opportunity to solidify her position as GK. She was the main difference defensively in the Commonwealth Games final and again will bring the best footwork in the business.
Big matchup to look out for? Bruce v Ekenasio
Ekenasio is in great form after missing out on the Commonwealth Games and will be wanting to continue her fine form. Bruce will have her hands full, but will bring the heat defensively out in GD and another level of attacking prowess to the Diamonds fold.
Caitlin Bassett
Who wins? Australia 3-1
Coach Stacey Marinkovich has a team with a good spine of experienced players; they should be confident and solid off the back of a Commonwealth Games gold.
Player of the series? Keira Austin
Her connection/work load in the attacking end, plus her steady shot and calm play will be important. They can put her in GA and WA and she will use her smarts to play through the zone that NZ will put on.
Player to watch? Grace Nweke
Grace has been growing in strength and when she stands up, she super dominant. She will be tested against the best in Bruce and Klau but I think regardless of the outcome, she will be out there to learn.
Big matchup to look out for? Nweke v Klau
Sarah is athletic and strong – she will challenge the high ball going in and force Grace to reposition on her holds. This match up gives me Geitzy/Van Dyke vibes – an arm wrestle which will go back and forth over the course of the game.
Catherine Cox
Who wins? Australia 3-1
Australia will win the series but won’t have it their own way. They’ll gain strength across the series as they find their feet and get new combinations out on court.
Player of the series? Liz Watson
The captain will stand up and lead the new line up by example. Watson will be unstoppable in the midcourt and combine beautifully with the new recruits.
Player to watch? Cara Koenen
There’s a big, big opportunity available for her now in light of Gretel Bueta’s recent withdrawal. Koenen can make this spot in the starting 7 her own.
Big matchup to look out for? Bruce v Ekenasio
Ekenasio is back in the team after time away to have her second child. Named as captain, it’s a big ask in itself – bigger ask to be up against one of the best in the business. How will it all play out?
Bianca Chatfield
Who wins? Australia 4-0
Confidence will be at an all time high and the opportunity for those who missed the Commonwealth Games to get out on court and show what they’ve got.
Player of the series? Amy Parmenter
She has been waiting for this chance and her ability to turn over ball will be a crucial link for the Diamonds in defence. Once she gets her first quarter, they won’t be able to leave her off the court.
Player to watch? Grace Nweke & Cara Koenen
With all the potential and pressure on Nweke’s shoulders to be the next dominate shooter for the Ferns, can she stand up against the likes of Klau and Bruce? And the attention will turn to Koenen, without Gretel Bueta, for Australia.
Big matchup to look out for? Bruce v Ekenasio
Bruce will have the upper hand as Ekenasio finds her rhythm back on court, and if she finds her long range early in the ring, watching how Bruce respond will bring out the best of her on court.
Laura Geitz
Who wins? Australia 3-1
While I’m tipping an Aussie victory, the Diamonds will have plenty to think about and shuffle around given Gretel Bueta’s absence so it’s going to be a real tussle!
Player of the series? Sarah Klau
I thought she was the difference in defence for the Diamonds at CWG. That experience will do wonders for her confidence so I hope she can pick up from where she left off in Birmingham.
Player to watch? Amy Parmenter
Hard not to get excited about this lady and what she’s capable of. Her energy, passion and ability to win ball in crucial moments will hopefully take centre stage during the Constellation Cup.
Big matchup to look out for? Bruce v Ekenasio
To see these two out at GD/GA will be an interesting battle. The athleticism of Courtney Bruce taking on the smarts and elusive timing of Ameliaranne Ekenasio – Can’t wait to see the return of Ameliaranne after baby number two.
Constellation Cup fixture
Wednesday 12 October – Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Sunday 16 October – Trustpower Arena, Tauranga, New Zealand
Wednesday 19 October – John Cain Arena, Melbourne, Australia
Sunday 23 October – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia
