Diamonds vice Madi Robinson tips netball to reach new highs in Quad series

AUSTRALIAN vice-captain Madi Robinson is predicting international netball is about to lift to a new level as the Diamonds prepare to take on England this weekend.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

August 22, 2017 - 6:03PM

Madi Robinson during last year’s Constellation Cup.

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AUSTRALIAN vice-captain Madi Robinson is predicting international netball is about to lift to a new level as the Diamonds kick off final preparations for their first match of the Quad series against England this weekend.

The Diamonds will take on an English side which has benefited from the strength of the new Australian Super Netball league more than any other country in the world in the opening match of the Quad series in Brisbane on Saturday.

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In fact the majority of the touring Roses - seven of their 12-strong squad - were all exposed to the best domestic netball competition in the world this season after a rule restricting the number of imports playing in Australia was abolished.

Australia playing England last year. The Roses are being tipped to be a major force at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Giants players Serena Guthrie and Jo Harten are in the touring squad along with Swifts shooter Helen Housby and Sunshine Coast Lightning star Geva Mentor. Fellow 2017 Super Netball players Jade Clarke, Ama Agbeze and Stacey Francis are also touring.

Robinson, who played with the Magpies in 2017, said the level of netball lifted in Super Netball and she expects that to translate to a rise in international competition.

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“I think the standard rose from the old ANZ (championship) to Super Netball along with the intensity and pace,’’ said Robinson, who flew into Diamonds camp on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday.

“I have no doubt that will also happen in international netball.’’

Madi Robinson during last year’s Constellation Cup against New Zealand.

Australia earlier this year retained its Quad Series crown with a thrilling 47-46 victory over England at Wembley.

Saturday’s match in Brisbane is the first time the two teams have met since this game with the upcoming Quad series and following Constellation Cup against New Zealand a crucial part of the Australian selection process for the Commonwealth Games.

Robinson has plenty to play for in both series with the newly appointed co vice-captain with Firebirds skipper Gabi Simpson missing the world netball championships in Sydney two years ago through injury.

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“Nothing would beat playing at home. It’s a dream,’’ Robinson said.

Sharpshooter Caitlin Bassett was last week named as the 24th Australian netball captain with her first duty to lead the Diamonds to Quad series victory against England, South Africa and New Zealand.