Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich has revealed her 12-player squad to take on New Zealand in next week’s Constellation Cup.
With Steph Wood and Ash Brazill both announcing their international retirements after the Diamonds’ World Cup gold medal win in August, that left two spots in the squad available.
On Thursday, Marinkovich called up Giants young gun Sophie Dwyer and Vixens’ veteran Kate Moloney to fill those spots in the squad.
Watch every game of the 2023 Constellation Cup Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >
Swifts’ midcourter Maddy Proud was not available for selection after undergoing surgery on her knee.
“Sophie and Kate have contributed to the success of the Diamonds over the past 18 months, and this is another opportunity to showcase their skillset,” Marinkovich said.
“To have the entire squad together for a training camp, with some fresh faces, brings a lot of energy and I am excited to see how that translates within the training environment.
SEE THE FULL SQUADS FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BELOW
“The Constellation Cup has grown in significance as we haven’t played the Silver Ferns at the most recent Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup. It’s great to see the traditional rivalry on centre stage and we look forward to challenging our brand of netball against our oldest rivals.”
The Diamonds begin their training camp today in Canberra before next Thursday’s series opener at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Wood retires from international netball | 00:32
The team will then travel to Brisbane for the second Constellation Cup clash on October 15 – which also marks Australia’s 500th Test match.
Also featuring alongside the 12-player squad in camp will be Thunderbird Tippah Dwan, Lightning youngster Ash Ervin, Vixen Hannah Mundy and Fever’s Alice Teague-Neeld.
A squad will then be announced following the Canberra training camp for the upcoming series against South Africa starting later this month.
New Zealand meantime head into the series on shaky ground after only just overcoming an “England B-team” in the Taini Jamison Trophy last week.
The Silver Ferns had hit out at the Roses for sending a “disrespectful” team to New Zealand for the three-Test series – leaving behind all their World Cup starters for a rest.
But it was England who got the early jump, taking out game one before the Ferns found their fight to win the last two games.
Australia dominant in World Cup final | 04:14
DIAMONDS SQUAD
Sunday Aryang
Kiera Austin
Courtney Bruce
Sophie Dwyer
Sophie Garbin
Paige Hadley
Sarah Klau
Cara Koenen
Kate Moloney
Jamie-Lee Price
Liz Watson
Jo Weston
SILVER FERNS SQUAD
Karin Burger
Kate Burley
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Maddy Gordon
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jury
Phoenix Karaka
Tiana Metuarau
Grace Nweke*
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Whitney Souness
Amelia Walmsley
Jane Watson
Maia Wilson
*subject to injury
