Aussie netball star Gretel Bueta reveals shock personal news, withdraws from Diamonds
Australian netball star Gretel Bueta has pulled out of the Diamonds’ international series after revealing some shock personal news.
Netball
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Australian netball star Gretel Bueta has announced she is pregnant with her second child and will miss the Diamonds’ upcoming international series against New Zealand and England.
Bueta was absent from the Diamonds’ team media day on Monday and revealed the happy family news on Instagram on Tuesday.
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“Niko and I are so excited for Bobby to be a big brother and welcome another baby to our family,” she said.
“I am so grateful to our extended Diamonds and Firebirds family, the love and support from my teammates and support staff has been overwhelming.
“I can’t wait to cheer them on from the sidelines.”
After having her first child Bobby in January 2021, Bueta made a stunning return to international netball.
The star shooter was one of Australia’s best in the Quad Series earlier this year and steered the Diamonds to Commonwealth Games gold with some brilliant performances in Birmingham.
Bueta’s dynamic athleticism and scintillating form prompted many pundits to label her the best netball player in the world.
But her absence is a huge blow for the Diamonds, who enter camp this week ahead of seven international matches in the next month — with four clashes against New Zealand in the Constellation Cup and followed by a three Test series against England.
The Diamonds are desperate to reclaim the Constellation Cup from New Zealand but they will have to reshuffle their shooting circle without Bueta.
Cara Koenen played vital minutes for the Diamonds at the Commonwealth Games and will likely get first crack at partnering Australian vice-captain and Sunshine Coast Lightning teammate Steph Wood up front.
Kiera Austin and Sophie Dwyer could also fill in for Bueta if needed against New Zealand, while fellow shooters Sophie Garbin and Donnell Wallam could see come court time against England.
Bueta will take time away from netball during her pregnancy, which will also see her miss next year’s Super Netball season for the Queensland Firebirds.
The 29-year-old struck up a strong partnership with Wallam last season but the Firebirds will have to find a second shooter after club stalwart Romelda Aiken-George joined the NSW Swifts as a training partner after the Firebirds didn’t re-sign her following her own recent pregnancy.
The Constellation Cup gets underway in Auckland next Wednesday, before the Diamonds play their first game on Australian soil in three years in Melbourne on October 19.
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Constellation Cup
Wednesday 12 October – Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ
Sunday 16 October – Trustpower Arena, Tauranga, NZ
Wednesday 19 October – John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Sunday 23 October – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
England Series
Wednesday 26 October – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
Sunday 30 October – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Thursday 3 November – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Originally published as Aussie netball star Gretel Bueta reveals shock personal news, withdraws from Diamonds
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