Diamonds looking to keep things fresh with new-look line-ups at netball World Cup

The Diamonds will chase glory at the netball World Cup with a flexible approach aimed at keeping opponent ‘on their toes.’

Jo Weston, left, and April Brandley in action for the Diamonds in the UK earlier this year.

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Australia’s ability to shock and awe with never-before-seen combinations could be key to the Diamonds winning their 12th World Cup in the UK this month.

Coach Lisa Alexander said the versatility of her Australian 12 will be the team’s greatest strength at the tournament, which starts on Friday in Liverpool.

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Alexander has worked overtime to ensure every player in her side excels in their preferred role but also has the ability to reinvent themselves into another position on the court to “keep things fresh’’.

Liz Watson, Courtney Bruce, Caitlin Bassett and Steph Wood model the new uniform to be worn at the 2019 World Cup. Pic: Justin Lloyd.

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“It keeps other teams on their toes,’’ Alexander said.

“Fitness, form and versatility. That’s our strength.’’

This versatility could lead to circle defenders such as April Brandley, Courtney Bruce, Jo Weston and Sarah Klau swap between goal defence and keeper in the circle or even move out onto the wing if their height is required.

Shooters such as Steph Wood and Gretel Tippett can also take on midcourt roles while centre-courters have the ability to move between wing defence, centre and wing attack.

Swifts defender Maddy Turner takes on Australian captain Caitlin Bassett in a practice match before the Diamonds left for the UK.

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Whether Alexander opts for some of these more extreme positional changes is anyone’s guess but the long-serving coach says she does not want the Diamonds to be predictable.

“We wanted to be sure we have the ability to change things up, to show that we have variety and not always playing a style that a rival team can predict,’’ Alexander said.

“We want each game to be different. I think we have been more unpredictable in the last 12 months and I think that’s exciting for the game.’’

The Diamonds before their departure for the World Cup.

Australia is chasing its 12th World Cup title — and fourth in a row — at the UK tournament.

The team goes in ranked at No.1, ahead of the hosts England, who beat the Diamonds by a goal to win the Commonwealth Games gold last year.
of matches before moving to Liverpool for Friday’s first match against Northern Ireland.

TEAM

Diamonds For the World Cup: Caitlin Bassett (captain, Giants), April Brandley (Magpies), Kelsey Browne (Magpies), Courtney Bruce (Fever), Paige Hadley (Swifts), Sarah Klau (Swifts), Caitlin Thwaites (Vixens), Gretel Tippett (Firebirds), Jamie-Lee Price (Giants), Liz Watson (vice-captain, Vixens), Jo Weston (Vixens), Steph Wood (Lightning).

TV: Channel 9 and 9NOW