Julie Corletto helps inject ‘mongrel’ into Diamonds defence

FORMER international Julie Corletto has been bought into the Australian inner sanctum to inject more “mongrel” into the Diamonds ahead of the Constellation Cup.

Former Australian defender Julie Corletto has been giving advice to the Australian netball team.

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FORMER international Julie Corletto has been bought into the Australian netball team inner sanctum to inject more “mongrel” into the Diamonds defence ahead of their final international series of the year.

Australia coach Lisa Alexander made the call to bring in the former Diamonds star believing some of her current defenders are “too nice” at times.

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The Diamonds flew to New Zealand on Sunday for the opening two matches of the four-Test Constellation Cup on Thursday in Auckland and Sunday in Christchurch.

Former Australian defender Julie Corletto has been giving advice to the Australian netball team.

But missing will be defensive juggernaut Sharni Layton who is still on a time out from the sport which also saw her miss the recent Quad series.

With the experience and passion of Layton missing, Alexander made the decision to call in Corletto, who retired at just 28 after 52 Tests and three world title wins after an injury-plagued career.

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“She’s been instructing current defenders and has come in for some sessions,” Alexander said.

“She just adds her little bit of wisdom to the group.

“She makes things a little easier for the connections in attack and she challenges the players to bring their mongrel to the defence end.

“Sometimes they can be a little too nice.”

Caitlin Bassett will lead Australia during the Constellation Cup four-game series.

Fireworks are expected when the Diamonds meet the Silver Ferns in the October series.

Australia is on a mission to cleansweep the four-Test Constellation Cup after suffering a shock loss to the Silver Ferns in the Quad series in September.

The Australias are the defending Constellation Cup champions but lost their Quad Series title to New Zealand due to the recent defeat.

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CONSTELLATION CUP DATES

Oct 5: 5.45pm Silver Ferns v Diamonds, Spark Arena, Auckland.

Oct 8: 12pm Silver Ferns v Diamonds, Christchurch.

Oct 11: 7.30pm Diamonds v Silver Ferns, Titanium Security Arena, Adelaide.

Oct 14: 3pm Diamonds v Silver Ferns, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney