Commonwealth Games netball: Australian Diamonds beat Jamaica to make history
Although ranked No.1 in the world, the Diamonds’ gold medal victory didn’t come easily. Erin Smith breaks down the winning moves which put Australia back on top.
Comm Games
Don't miss out on the headlines from Comm Games. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Just days ago the Diamonds were down and out — an outside chance of a spot on the podium — today they are once again champions — but Gretel Bueta doesn’t credit the historic win to her pin-point accurate shooting.
While going into the game ranked world No.1, Diamonds were not clear favourites to bring home the gold medal — having just lost to rising power house Jamaica in an uncharacteristic fourth quarter collapse just days before.
The loss set them on a path against host nation favourites and reigning champions England — but Australia put the one goal loss in 2018 behind them to demolish the Roses and book themselves a spot in the grand final.
Jamaica did the same against New Zealand, who went on to claim bronze.
It was almost a case of history repeating itself with Diamonds going into the final break in the gold medal match with a six-goal lead.
The same lead they went into the final quarter against Jamaica with just days ago — when they went on to lose by two points.
But despite the same line-up it was a different looking Diamonds team on Sunday — who will return home with gold medals after a 55-51 win.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
THE LINE UP
Diamonds ran out arm-in-arm, the same starting seven as the final round loss and semi-final win took the court.
From the first centre pass it looked like a new squad — they had a focus about them that had been missing from previous games. Sights set squarely on putting a tick in the box next to the one task coach Stacey Marinkovich had set them — win.
Captain Liz Watson said it was the proudest moment of her career.
“We are still ranked No.1 but we didn’t necessarily feel like that having lost to Jamaica and the world cup,” Watson said.
“We really wanted to show tonight that we are the worlds’ best and work hard and play with passion and tonight I think we showed that we did that.”
“We wanted to show that we really are the world’s best and we showed that tonight.
Diamonds were understaffed with injured midcourter Paige Hadley once again ruled out of the game.
Kate Moloney stepped up to fill her shoes and was a workhorse in the midcourt.
Ash Brazill put her AFLW skills to use proving a pest to the Jamaican’s midfielders pulling off a number of sensational intercepts.
It worked — for one quarter. After that Jamaica had figured out, despite the players’ sporting a determined look it really was just the same team they had beaten a few days earlier.
They surged back into the game in the second quarter reclaiming the two points they were down and taking the lead.
THE BIG SWITCH UP
Fans were having flash backs to the sides’ first clash — where Diamonds just couldn’t catch a break against the Sunshine Girls.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich did as she promised and learned from the previous game. She stepped in to switch up the defensive end early in the second quarter, which was having little impact on super shooter Jhaniele Fowler — moving Courtney Bruce to GD and bringing Sara Klau into GK.
Marinkovich was criticised after the two teams first met for failing to make any changes despite the game slipping away.
Klau had a little bit more luck frustrating Fowler and slowing down the circle feeds.
A second change saw Bueta move to her favoured GA role and Cara Koenen replace Sunshine Coast Lightning teammate Steph Wood in the shooting circle. Both shooters shot at 100 per cent — an incredible achievement given the pressure they faced in the circle.
Captain Liz Watson said it was the depth in the squad and ability to change things up that made the Diamonds so strong.
“Sara (Klau) came on and got some crucial intercepts against Fowler and did a great job,” Watson said.
“Gretel has been unbelievable and when she moved to (goal) attack she opened it up with Cara (Koenen) as well.
“Steph Wood had an amazing game (against England) which got us to the grand final but Cara and Steph play different games and we needed the extra height in the circle.
“It is great that we can bring people on and they know the role they have to play. It really was a team effort.”
Bueta didn’t even realise she hadn’t missed the net once until informed by the media after the game.
“I just want to do the best job I can for my team and I think everyone came on and did their job,” Bueta said. “It was a full team effort.”
HALF TIME CHAT
The Diamonds went into the halftime break with the scores drawn.
Bueta said the focus of the break had been “staying strong”.
“We knew we had to keep at it,” Bueta said. “We had to keep our angles strong and keep high hands to keep that ball away from Fowler as much as we could.
“She’s amazing and Jamaica are amazing, they just push us to our limit, we had to be at our absolute best to match it with them and I’m really proud and stoked.”
Marinkovich’s inspiring words helped the Diamonds find another level for the third quarter.
For the first five minutes Australia had complete control of the game scoring goal after goal.
It was the first time the Jamaican substitutes couldn’t be seen dancing on the sidelines.
Brazill, Kate Moloney and Bueta proved the dynamic trio - moving the ball from one end to other with lightning precision.
While captain Liz Watson proved the circle feed queen.
The Jamaican defenders went from looking calm and collected to frazzled and struggling to keep up with Koenen and Bueta.
Going into the final quarter Diamonds were up by six goals, 45-39.
BEATING HISTORY
Six goals was the same lead Diamonds took into the final quarter in the final round game against the Sunshine Girls. They squandered the lead and went on to lose by two goals.
Bueta said everyone was well aware of the situation at the last break.
“We knew Jamaica would start flying because that is what they did last time,” Bueta said.
“They are a quality side, you gotta keep your angles strong and give first, second and third efforts.
“Our defenders turned over so much ball for us we tried to play it around in attack we needed to get it to goal and I’m so proud we stuck at it and we could close the game.”
The win put a stop to history repeating itself — not just the loss to Jamaica but the one goal loss to England in the last Commonwealth Games.
“We’ve been chasing that gold medal ever since the last Commonwealth Games and we’ve been on a journey together since 2020,” Bueta said.
Diamonds are no strangers to setting records. But the gold set an extra special on — being Australia’s 1000th Commonwealth Games medal, a historic feat.
“Whenever we are representing your country we just want to do them proud,” Bueta said.
“We love hearing the Australian anthem after the game and the support from back home has just been amazing.
“Playing in Birmingham has been an incredible journey for us and an incredible atmosphere.
“We proved that we can get that gold and Stacey had that belief in us as a group and she is an amazing leader for us, I just feel very blessed.”
Good as 1000 gold: Diamonds make history with epic win
The Diamonds’ physical win over Jamaica has created history — winning Australia’s 1000th gold medal and creating Commonwealth Games history.
It was almost a case of history repeating itself with Diamonds going into the final break with a six-goal lead.
The same lead they went into the final quarter against Jamaica with just days ago - when they went on to lose by two points.
But it was a different looking Diamonds team this morning.
They ran out with a steely look in their eye as if the final round two-goal loss to Jamaica just days ago wiped from their memories — there is no doubt they had flashbacks at three-quarter time though.
But they fought those off to hold firm and take the game 55-51.
Australian captain Liz Watson said the team learned from their shock loss to Jamaica in the pool match.
“We were lucky we got to play them in the rounds, we learned from that last quarter and we just wanted to make sure it was a six-goal lead, the same as last game, but everyone had that belief and that fight and we weren’t going to let that happen again,” said Watson
WHAT HAPPENED TO JAMAICA?
It was far from a perfect game with the Sunshine Girls uncharacteristically dropping balls every which way.
Ash Brazill put her AFLW skills to use proving a pest to the Jamaican’s midfielders and pulling off a number of sensational intercepts.
Australia went into the first break with a two goal lead - but Jamaica didn’t let it last long - levelling the scores and going two goals up within minutes of the clock starting for the second half.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich did as she promised and learned from the first clash against the powerhouse stepping in to switch up the defensive end which was having little impact on super shooter Jhaniele Fowler - moving Courtney Bruce to GD and bringing Sara Klau into GK.
Marinkovich was criticised after the two teams first met for failing to make any changes despite the game slipping away.
Klau had a little bit more luck frustrating Fowler and slowing down the circle feeds.
A second change saw Bueta move to her favoured GA role and Cara Koenen replace Sunshine Coast Lightning teammate Wood in the shooting circle. Both shooters shot at 100 per cent - an incredible achievement given the pressure they faced in the circle.
The well timed changes put Jamaica on the back foot, zapped their momentum and let Australia back in the game.
Jamaica took the chocolates for the quarter, scoring 17 the Aussie’s 15 goals - with the scores drawn for the start of the second half.
Diamonds found a new level for the third quarter.
For the first five minutes Australia had complete control of the game scoring goal after goal.
It was the first time the Jamaican substitutes couldn’t be seen dancing on the sidelines.
Brazill, Kate Moloney and Bueta proved the dynamic trio - moving the ball from one end to with lightning precision.
While captain Liz Watson proved the circle feed queen.
The Jamaican defenders went from looking calm and collected to frazzled and struggling to keep up with Koenen and Bueta.
They went into the final break up 45-39.
With the clock winding down Jamaica had managed to reduce the lead to just four goals.
Wilson and Sterling were back in top form making it near impossible for the Diamonds to get the ball to Bueta or Koenen in the circle.
With the Jamaican crowd subdued the cries of ‘let’s go Aussies” could finally be heard - with just 20 seconds to go.
There were tears from the Diamonds as they celebrated the historic win on court.
“I hope it was a great way to wake up back home,” Watson said afterwards. “We love all the support from everybody and it’s just amazing.
“We were lucky we got to play them in the rounds, we learnt from that last quarter and we just wanted to make sure it was a six-goal lead, the same as last game, but everyone had that belief and that fight and we weren’t going to let that happen again.
“You can spot some green and yellow gold tops around but Jamaica have come such a long way and they deserve to have this crowd and this noise. For a silver medal for them, that’s special.”
FOLLOW THE MATCH LIVE BELOW
AUSTRALIA WINS GOLD
They have done it - the Diamonds have avoided a repeat of their last clash with Jamaica and won the gold medal - making history in the process.
I was on the edge of my seat for the final quarter as Diamonds worked to make their six goal lead stick - unlike their last clash with the Sunshine Girls.
With the clock winding down Jamaica had managed to reduce the lead to just four goals.
Wilson and Sterling were back in top form making it near impossible for the Diamonds to get the ball to Bueta or Koenen in the circle.
The Aussies were up against it with the crowd clearly against them but if they noticed it didn’t show.
Everyone was on the edge of their seats - even the substitutes from both teams were on their feet.
A turnover saw Australia increase their lead again - scores stood at 52-46 with just four minutes to go.
Klau finally got one over Fowler - a feat to be proud of.
With the Jamaican crowd subdued the cries of ‘let’s go Aussies” could finally be heard - with just 20 seconds to go.
Diamonds deserved to take the top prize - they were the more consistent team today - with Jamaica showing just moments of the pizzazz they brought to their final round clash.
Q4
Australia 51-46 Jamaica
Jamaica have pulled things back a little and the difference is four. Boos ring out around the stadium because they want Gary - the reserve umpire because this guy is a dud.
Four goals in it, five to go. Too axious to type.
Q4
Australia 48-41 Jamaica
This is the biggest quarter of netball for every single player on the court - I know that sounds bloody obvious but goodness me so much on the line. Jamaica pull Australia’s lead back to seven just 30 seconds in.
Remember what happened in the final quarter of the match last time they played?
A collapse in defence and Cath Cox is worried.
“That makes me nervous just what happened there (in the pool game),” she said.
“Australia will be well aware of that final quarter won’t they? From that pool game.
I’ve said it many times this week so I’ll say it again. The umpiring at the Comm Games has been a disgrace. Very poor decision making and huge moments overlooked.
FROM ERIN SMITH COURTSIDE
Where did they pull that from
Diamonds found a new level this quarter- but can they keep it going. Will history repeat itself.
For the first five minutes Australia had complete control of the game scoring goal after goal.
It was the first time the Jamaican substitutes weren’t been dancing on the sidelines.
Brazill, Moloney and Bueta proved the dynamic trio - moving the ball from one end to with lightning precision.
While Watson proved the circle feed queen.
The Jamaican defenders went from looking calm and collected to frazzled and struggling to keep up with Koenen and Bueta.
Bueta and Koenen are yet to drop a shot.
It got scrappy in the final few seconds with Bruce copy some body blows - and they say netball is non-contact.
The six goal lead is a nice buffer but Diamonds need to keep their steely eye focus and play the final quarter out with the same intensity as this one if they wish to bring home the gold. We all know what happened last time Diamonds were six goals up against the Sunshine Girls.
Q3
Australia 45-39 Jamaica
It’s a long way back for the Sunshine Girls but the roar from Fowler is huge. I honestly can’t quite believe this performance from Australia. I wrote them off before the tournament. I may have bet several of my colleagues that they wouldn’t even win a medal. I had Jamaica to play England in the final. The way Australia just sat down against Jamaica earlier this week, who the heck saw this coming?
The lead is six.
Q3
Australia 38-30 Jamaica
I know anything can happen in netball but to be nine goals down in a gold medal match seems absurd for Jamaica.You shouldn’t have a gap that large and on the flip side Australia shouldn’t blow a lead this big.
What options do they have though? It’s a Comm Games final are they just out of puff?
Here comes the change, Adean Thomas is on in WA, Williams having a break.
Australia doing well to retain the advantage and it’s nine goals the lead going into the final five of the term.
Q3
Australia 38-30 Jamaica
Stacey marinkovic is in danger of stepping on to the court she's so close. A strong start from the Diamonds after the break they gain a three goal ladvantage after two minutes, Klau making a huge difference at the defesive end. Fowler’s hold space and arm up not always working. She’s an insanely good player but you have to admite her style is predictable. Dare say mine would be too ifI was 6ft5
Trouble for Jamaica it’s a six goal lead for Australia and not for the first time this match.
9-1 so far this quarter
FROM ERIN SMITH COURTSIDE
What a quarter - we were up- we were down, we were level- the trick will be getting a lead back now.
Within two minutes of the second quarter Jamaica had levelled the scores - putting Australia under pressure.
A rogue shot from Wood led to a changeover and the Sunshine Girls’ didn’t waste the opportunity - putting them two goals up and back in control five minutes in.
Stacey Marinkovich stepped in to switch up the defensive end which was having little impact on super shooter Jhaniele Fowler - moving Courtney Bruce to GD and bringing Sara Klau into GK.
Klau had a little bit more luck frustrating Fowler and slowing down the circle feeds - but she still managed to find the net again and again.
A second change saw Bueta move to her favoured GA role and Cara Koenen replace Sunshine Coast Lightning teammate Wood in the shooting circle.
The well times changes put Jamaica on the back foot, zapped their momentum and let Australia back in the game.
Jamaica do take the chocolates for the quarter, scoring 17 the Aussie’s 15 goals.
Diamonds have to find a way to keep the ball away from Fowler if they wish to get ahead - she is just too good.
Q2 HALF-TIME
Australia 29-29 Jamaica
“She’s anabsolute machine, her footwork is world class, moving to GA has shifted the energy,” Lisa Alexander says of Gretel Bueta.
Just quietly Koenen is having a ripper of a game too, playing the support role exceptionally well, the new look attack settling into a good rhythm.
Non stop end to end and it is ALL LEVEL AT THE HALF.
What a battle. Terrific netball.
Q2 10 mins played
Australia 24-23 Jamaica
Australia blink first and the subs come in. Klau into GK and Bruce to GD, Bueta to GA - Koenen to GS. Jamaica have a four goal lead.
But again the midcourt sloppiness from the Sunshine Girls letting them down, some really poor passing. Credit to the Aussie defence approach, Brazill and co making life very tricky in there.
Six minutes to play and the Jamaican lead is one but the turnovers going Australia’s way. If Jamaicacould keep a hold of the ball they’d be miles aheads.
Good subs from marinkovich.
Q2 5 mins played
Australia 18-19 Jamaica
Write them off at your peril. Jamaica level the score withing two minutes of the restart and it’s game on.
The pace of thisbgame is unreal, fitness will play a huge part come the final term. Australia playing at an incredible speed to get the ball into Bueta who seems to only want to shoot from under the post. Remember the old alley’oop days?
And after five minutes of the second quarter, Jamaica take the lead for the first time.
FROM ERIN SMITH COURTSIDE
Aussies are up 14-12 - but don’t celebrate yet.
It might be the same line up but the Diamonds on the court this morning have a different look to those that lost to Jamaica a few days ago.
They are all business - their eyes’ firmly on the prize - a much wanted gold medal.
But despite the lead we can’t rule the Sunshine Girls out yet.
The Diamonds have taken the lead several times this quarter only to have Jamaica fight their way back into the game. We all know Jamaica can dig deep when needed.
Ash Brazill is putting her AFLW skills to good use pulling off some vital intercepts and deflections.
Jamaica’s defenders’ Latayna Wilson and Shamera Sterling have forced Gretel Bueta to work the hardest she has had to in these Games. While a few feeds have gone astray her shooting, under pressure, remains on point - netting all 11 of her shots. Bueta could prove the vital key to a gold medal today.
It is fantastic to see Steph Wood backing herself today and sinking some important long range shots.
Q1 END OF FIRST QUARTER
Australia 14-12 Jamaica
A five goal lead for Australia with three minutes to play and the umpire style is really not suiting Jamaica. The Sunshine girls really struggling to find their balance in this early stage and the lead is extended to six. Jamaica under pressure for the first time really this Commonwealth Games.
Fowler keeping her side withing touching distance but my word the Jamaican midcourters are a mess right now. Chaos in the centre third.
The lead pulled abck to two goals at the end of the first term.
Q1 10 mins played
Australia 9-6 Jamaica
Sterling is having an absolute blinder against Bueta. Both GS the trouble makers on each team and the defenders are having to play out of their skin to keep up. Careless passing from the jamaican midcourters, can’t afford that kind of sloppiness if they want to win this. Silly, looping passes and it’s a sure fire sign the Aussie defence is really getting to them early. Teh Aussies taking full advantage, this is a far cry form the match a few days ago. Aussies in control early. Can they keep it up?
Q1: 5 mins played
Australia 4-4 Jamaica
First blood to the green and gold but the Jamaican defence making life very very ticky inside that circle.Australia’s players tight on their mark and the early impact is strong. Intercepts coming and turnovers going their way. An early two goal lead quashed by Jamaica . Try as they might, the Aussies cannot keep Fowler out of this for long.
5:27AM ALMOST GO TIME
Jamaica are undefeatedgoing into this final but Australia have built up into their form.
Despite a lot of criticism over her strategy, Stacey Marinkovich has stuck firm on the seven and now we are seeing the results, according to Lisa Alexander.
“Australia have to get the four quarter-effort under control,” she said. “This starting seven have had Stacey’s trust all tournament and they have repaid her.
“Brazill is crucial, she bleeds green and gold. She has a great playing style and her shut-down approach is what closed England out.”
TEAM NEWSTEAM NEWS: NO HADLEY AGAIN
There is less than an hour until Diamonds and powerhouse Jamaica go toe-to-toe again - this time for the gold medal.
Diamonds have confirmed injured midcourter Paige Hadley will not take part in this morning’s clash - meaning the Aussies go in with 11 on their teamsheet, while the Sunshine Girls will have 12.
If coach Stacey Marinkovich sticks to her plan it shouldn’t be a problem as she has made just one substitute in the past two games.
Jamaica’s best performance at a Commonwealth Games is a bronze and they have never made it to a grand final or gold medal match in any major international competition before.
They defeated Australia in the final round game 57-55 - fighting back from a six goal deficit to claim victory.
New Zealand claimed the bronze medal today after defeating England 55-48.
Starting seven
GS: Gretel Bueta
GA: Steph Wood
WA: Liz Watson
C: Kate Moloney
WD: Ash Brazill
GD: Jo Weston
GK: Courtney Bruce
Substitutes: Sunday Aryanag, Kiera Austin, Cara Koenen, Sarah Klau
PRESSURE ON MALONEY
The Diamonds path to netball redemption rests on the shoulders of a woman that seemed unlikely to even make the squad at the start of the year.
Few would have bet on Kate Moloney being the woman to lead the midcourt charge in Birmingham after she was left out of Australia’s line-up for the Quad Series final in England, seemingly behind Paige Hadley and Jamie-Lee Price in the Diamonds’ pecking order.
But she won a tight race over Giants player Price for the final midcourt spot in the Commonwealth Games squad and was thrust into a starting role after Hadley exacerbated a calf injury early in the tournament.
The Melbourne Vixens co-captain has won plenty of fans for her stirring speeches and poise under pressure in Australia’s Super Netball league.
And while there are seven players on court, Moloney’s Diamonds status will be forged under the pressure of the final, with her role in helping control the match tempo and feeding the Aussie shooters crucial to the outcome of the match.
Hadley was one of the stars of the Diamonds’ Quad Series win in January but even if she is able to make a miraculous recovery after being completely rested from the semi-final and pool game against the Sunshine Girls, there’s little chance she will be able to run out a full game.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former Vixens captain Bianca Chatfield is among those backing Moloney though, saying her passion and effort will be crucial for the Diamonds.
“When it comes down to a clutch game and a clutch final, I would want her out there on the court because I know she will give it everything,” Chatfield said.
“I know that’s such a cliche in sport. Sometimes that energy and effort is to her disadvantage but in this scenario, I think it’s working so well for them and what would be a very calming influence for her would be having Liz (Watson) there.
“They know each other so well.”
The Watson-Moloney combination has led the Vixens to a Super Netball title and minor premiership in the past three seasons and the pair know each other’s games inside out having played together for the past decade.
Australia possesses great midcourt depth and while Diamonds captain and the world’s best wing attack Watson was an automatic selection, finalising those around her was the most controversial call for selectors, with players such as Price, Maddy Proud, Amy Parmenter, Kim Ravaillion and Kelsey Browne left out of the team.
Chatfield though, has not been surprised at how Moloney has thrived under pressure in Birmingham - and is backing her to do the same in Monday’s final.
“Anyone that really knows Kate is really happy that she’s been given the opportunity to fight (for her Diamonds career) out there on court,” Chatfield said.
“She lives for these moments, that pressure, when everything is on the line. That is when she comes to play every single time.
“When I saw that (semi-final) win, I was so proud that she has been able to stand up and to do it … in a final and has another final to showcase what she’s got.”
Chatfield - who pre-tournament nominated an Australia-Jamaica final - said the Diamonds would have analysed the mistakes made against Sunshine Girls in their round match and backed them to rebound in the final.
“They know the mistakes that they’ve made and they understand the game they’ve got to play in the final to win the gold medal is going to have to be near perfect to beat the Jamaicans with such an incredible attack line but also the defensive pressure that they can apply on the ball and turn it over,” she said.
“That won’t scare the Diamonds whatsoever, they just know it’s in their hands to make sure they execute and do the basics right and that’s what will beat the Jamaicans.”
It will be a different type of game from the woman-on-woman slugfest that enthralled thousands in the semi against England though, with the Aussies going to the air against Jamaica at their peril.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Commonwealth Games netball: Australian Diamonds beat Jamaica to make history
‘Portfolio of events’: World Netball reveals plans for more World Cups
World Netball holds its showcase event once every four years, but knows this is too long between drinks. Its president opens up on future event plans, the Commonwealth Games, Brisbane Olympics and more.
Biggest loser from Comm Games revamp
Cricket’s future in a more “sustainable” Commonwealth Games is murky as other sports also face the chop in a streamlined format.