Netball Nations Cup 2024: Diamonds’ selection conundrum for final against England

Donnell Wallam’s stellar performance against Uganda has given Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich plenty to think about before the Netball Nations Cup final against England.

Australia and England will face off in the Netball Nations Cup final on Monday morning in a clash that is quickly becoming one of the fiercest in the sport.

While the Diamonds had already booked their place in the final thanks to round wins over New Zealand’s Silver Ferns and tournament host England’s Roses, they maintained a clean sheet through the rounds by beating Uganda in a historic first meeting between the nations.

Uganda is ranked no.7 in the world and has lost all three matches at this tournament but those facts present a false picture of the ability of the She Cranes, who presented the Diamonds with the perfect preparation for the final.

“In part there were some clunky moments out there … it was (about) being able to adapt in the moment,” Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich said following the 63-49 victory at First Direct Arena in Leeds.

“We’ve talked about getting solutions with immediacy and you’re seeing that grow each time we get out there in the combinations.

“It was a grind and it certainly didn’t make you feel comfortable - and finals, you never feel comfortable.

Donnell Wallam has given Stacey Marinkovich plenty to think about ahead of the final. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

“So I think it tested our mentality to stick to task and I’m really looking forward to whoever we come up against.”

Having injected holding shooter Donnell Wallam into the match-day 12 for the first time this tournament, the Diamonds battled at times for momentum and connectivity in attack.

“Nellie’s really earned her opportunity,” Marinkovich said of Wallam, who returned to Leeds, where she made her professional debut for Super League’s Rhinos in 2021.

“We’ve had a good training week, she had a little bit of injury and illness at the beginning of this tour and it was great for her to be able to stamp her style of game.

“It certainly shifts how we do our attack end and I thought our midcourt adjusted to that as well.

“So it’s been great to be able to get everyone out there.”

Wallam’s performance has left Marinkovich with a conundrum for the final though after bringing five shooters to England.

One will have to be left out of the 12 for the final, with Wallam, Sophie Dwyer and Kiera Austin fighting to join Cara Koenen and Sophie Garbin for the clash with the Roses.

Wallam, who racked up her highest score for the Diamonds, sinking 31 goals from 33 attempts in three quarters on court, was thrilled to return to Leeds in Aussie colours.

“It feels so great to be back on court in the green and gold and for me, it’s even more special being back in Leeds here, so I really loved it out there,” she said.

“It was really nice running out and getting a roar from the crowd.”

Austin looked uncomfortable at times against the She Cranes but having led Australia to victory when injected into the World Cup final against England just six months ago, she is almost certain to hold her place.

One of those certain to be there is defender Sarah Klau, who celebrated her 50th cap in style with two intercepts, two deflections, a pick-up and just a single turnover while being the only Diamond to play all 60 minutes.

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich has been left with an agonising decision. Picture: Getty Images

Klau is no fan of being in the spotlight but reflected on how proud she was to rack up 50 caps.

“To think I debuted in 2019 and I’m still here - I know how competitive it is to be in the Diamonds’ squad, so I’m extremely proud to still be in the group and every game’s been so special,” she said.

“To reflect back on those special moments like Comm Games and World Cup, every time I pull on the green and gold dress I’m extremely grateful and honoured.”

In the final preliminary round, the Roses hung on to beat the Ferns by a single goal, with Funmi Fadoju nabbing a crucial intercept in the dying seconds to prevent New Zealand from attempting a match-levelling goal.

The victory sets up another major championship decider between the Diamonds and Roses, who met in last year’s World Cup final in South Africa.

New Zealand will take on Uganda in the playoff for third place.

Originally published as Netball Nations Cup 2024: Diamonds’ selection conundrum for final against England