Diamonds news: Marinkovich invites two more defensive options to train with Diamonds

Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich has opted for more back-half depth inviting another two defenders to train with the Diamonds ahead of the squad’s camp next week.

Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich has called on more defensive depth for the Diamonds’ preparations, adding two more invitees to train with the squad ahead of its camp next week.

Fresh from their selection in the Australian Fast5 team, Melbourne Vixens goal keeper Rudi Ellis and Queensland Firebirds’ defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran have been added as invitees to the Diamonds’ 2024-25 squad.

The defensive pair join West Coast Fever midcourter Alice Teague-Neeld, who was added as an invitee to the squad last week.

Ellis and Bakewell-Doran will add more defensive support following the announcement last week Emily Mannix, who was originally named as an invitee when the squad was selected, was expecting her first child in early 2025.

The invitees will join the Diamonds’ squad at all training camps across the next 12 months with the potential to be elevated to the main squad.

Ruby Bakewell-Doran of the Firebirds has been added as an invitee to the Diamonds’ squad. Picture: Getty Images

Marinkovich was eager to see how the defensive pair’s Super Netball form translated to within the Diamonds’ fold.

“We look forward to working with Ruby to continue to develop and evolve her game as she continues to show skill sets that align to the Diamonds’ style of play,” Marinkovich said.

“Rudi certainly showed she can have a presence in Suncorp Super Netball and displayed growth in her game the more she played.

Melbourne Vixens’ defender Rudi Ellis has been invited to train with the Diamonds. Picture: Getty Images

“We are keen to see what those skill sets look like in the Diamonds’ environment.

“Following Emily Mannix’s wonderful pregnancy announcement, we wanted to take the opportunity to look to future growth and development.”

Ellis, who has signed a new deal with the Vixens, and Bakewell-Doran were named in the 10-player Australian Fast5 team for the Netball World Series in Christchurch in November earlier this week.

“I am super excited. Just extremely grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to experience what a Diamonds’ camp is like and be with all the girls,” Ellis said of her Diamonds’ invite.

The Diamonds will start their preparations for next month’s three-Test England series with a camp in Torquay next week.

ENDS

Originally published as Diamonds news: Marinkovich invites two more defensive options to train with Diamonds