Australian captain Sam Poolman chasing Fast5 netball history in world series
GIANTS defender Sam Poolman has the chance to do something not even current Diamonds players have achieved after being named to captain Australia in this weekend’s Fast5 world series.
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GIANTS defender Sam Poolman has the chance to do something not even current Diamonds players have achieved after being named to captain Australia in this weekend’s Fast5 world series.
Poolman is hoping to become the first Australian captain in nine years to lead her country to victory in the adapted game.
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While a world power in the traditional game having won every major title on offer, Australia strangely has been far less dominant in the five-a-side game which involves shortened quarters, multiple point shots and double point power plays.
Poolman is hoping this changes when Australia hits the court this weekend in Melbourne for the ninth edition of the world series.
“That’s what we are aiming for, that first win for Australia,’’ Poolman said. “
Since 2009 Australia has won six silver and six bronze medals in Fast5.
In contrast, New Zealand have won six gold and are the defending champions after winning the same event in Melbourne last year.
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Poolman, who failed to make the Diamonds squad this year despite a stellar Super Netball season, is hoping a big performance in Fast5 will help draw the attention of selectors.
“I think any opportunity you get given to star on the national stage is really important,’’ she said.
Australia will play New Zealand, England, Jamaica, Malawi and South Africa over the two-day event.
Verity Charles has been forced out of the Australian Fast5 team after being admitted to hospital with appendicitis over the weekend.
Replacing Charles in the team is Lightning player Laura Scherian.