Diamonds will reap benefits of Super Netball strengths says coach Lisa Alexander
DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander has given the thumbs up to Super Netball and says it won’t be long until Australia shows off the benefits in the international arena.
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DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander has given the thumbs up to the new Super Netball competition and says it won’t be long until Australia shows off the benefits of the tough match-play in the international arena.
With the end-of year international series announced today, Alexander says the Australian-based competition has significantly expanded the netball talent pool in this country and the depth in the squad will help keep Australia at the top of the game.
Alexander she believes the Diamonds will soon be reaping the benefits of more Australian players being given the opportunity to compete at such a high level, week in and week out.
“I’m loving it. The competition and intensity is second to none,” Alexander said.
“It is becoming more like international Tests, so that’s great specific preparation for us.
“We are seeing a whole new core of players out there, particularly in the centre court, which is making our selection challenging.
“I’m seeing the talent pool grow and that’s good. It is putting pressure and accountability on current Diamonds.”
Australia will play New Zealand, England and South Africa in a Quad Series that opens with a double header in Brisbane on August 26, the first time international netball has been played there since 2009.
The Diamonds will play in Canberra against South Africa before the final three matches head to New Zealand.
Fans will be able to see Australia take on New Zealand when the Constellation Cup is played on Wednesday October 11 and Sunday October 14 in Adelaide and Sydney.
The two series will be important for players to put forward a case for Commonwealth Games selection.
With just one more international series to be played before the 2018 Gold Coast Games, Alexander said all players in contention will get a run with a view to establishing the final squad.
“Our squad is extremely deep and the decisions we will have to make will be even tougher,” Alexander said.
“It’s likely that the line-ups will change between the Quad Series and Constellation Cup to reflect that; to give athletes a chance to show what they’ve got in those competitions and then as we look to fine tune the team leading into January and that final hitout between New Zealand, England and South Africa again.
“That’s our last opporuntiity to really make the final selection for our Commonwealth Games team.”
2017 Quad Series
Sat Aug 26: Australia v England, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sat Aug 26: New Zealand v South Africa, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wed Aug 30: Australia v South Africa, AIS Arena Canberra
Wed Aug 30: New Zealand v England, The Trusts Arena Auckland
Sun Sep 3: New Zealand v Australia, ILT Stadium Invercargill
Sun Sep 3: England v South Africa, ILT Stadium Invercargill
2017 Constellation Cup
Thurs Oct 5: New Zealand v Australia, Spark Arena Auckland
Sun Oct 8: New Zealand v Australia, Horncastle Arena Christchurch
Wed Oct 11: Australia v New Zealand, Titanium Security Arena Adelaide
Sat Oct 14: Australia v New Zealand, Qudos Bank Arena Sydney
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