2023 Netball World Cup: Where were our Diamonds first cut?
The Australian Diamonds players are about to step onto the sport’s biggest stage at the World Cup but they first had to carve out their games on suburban courts and backyard goals. Discover their origins and the people who moulded them
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They are tasked with guiding Australia to World Cup glory but each of the origins of each Diamonds netballer hails back to grassroots courts and backyard goals.
Each superstar moulded their game at local clubs throughout the country, guided along their journey by volunteer coaches and parents packing oranges and a car full of gear.
The Diamonds have named their 15-player squad for the World Cup, set to begin on July 28 in South Africa, with players from across the Super Netball league picked to play.
From decades of experience to those just catching the ropes, we unveil where every player started their netball career.
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KIERA AUSTIN
Position: GS/GA/WA
A key to the Melbourne Vixens’ attacking end, Austin is a top-notch diverse player with 45 test caps to her name. She was born in Sydney, New South Wales and played her junior years at a local club before cracking into the Giants Netball ranks. The now experienced Diamond made her national league debut in 2018 and has shone ever since. It hasn’t been a picture perfect road, with an ACL injury taking 12 months out of her career and being the catalyst for moving from the Giants to the Vixens. Nevertheless Austin - who has earned the nickname ‘Kip’ from her teammates - has fought hard for her well-deserved spot in the World Cup side.
Junior club: North Ryde Spirits Netball club
Jenny Rosman, junior coach at Spirits: “Kiera started at North Ryde Spirits when she was six, playing under-8‘s before playing every year with the girls in this team until she was seventeen. She started her career in both club and rep as a centre and moved to goal attack when she was fifteen-years-old. Kiera was always a team-first player who was just happy to turn up every Saturday to have fun and be with her friends. This all changed around fifteen when her competitive streak kicked in. This team was quite successful and had a lot of players with similar ability at that age and they were only beaten a handful of times in 10 years.
“Every year since leaving North Ryde Spirits Kiera has come back to give back – whether it be to watch teams play, help with coaching or give out trophies at presentation day. She is still the same quiet, kind soul with an aggressive streak if required.”
CARA KOENEN
Position: GS/GA
A Queenslander through-and-through, there was no doubt Koenen would be selected for the World Cup side after continuing her stella performance in the Suncorp Super Netball series this year for the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Coenen was born in Thuringowa and played most of her junior years for Magnetic Island State School’s club team. She is the only Suncorp Super Netball player to have come from Magnetic Island and was a part of the Lightning‘s inaugural team in 2017.
The turning point of her career, playing flawlessly in the 2022 Commonwealth Games final to secure Australia’s gold, was the breakthrough Koenen needed in her career. She’s a confident shot with sharp prelims that stem from her junior years at Magnetic Island State School. While her confidence grows on the court, so do the statistics backing her credibility to don the green and gold. Koenen will be a nightmare for international defenders, but a sure dream for Australia.
Junior club: Magnetic Island State School
STEPH WOOD (VC)
Position: GS/GA/WA
Highly regarded as one the county’s most versatile netballers, Wood manages to play with flair across the attacking end. It makes her a dangerous opponent for any domestic or international side, and a vital addition to the Diamonds’ lineup. Born in Townsville, Wood was invited to the AIS in 2010 after a stint in the U17 Queensland team and selection into the Queensland Fusion squad.
With 48 test appearances up her sleeve and eight years of national league experience, Wood was a no-brainer pick from the get-go. She leads by perfect example for her younger teammates in the circle - a testament to her Queenslander spirit.
Junior club: Allstars Netball club
SOPHIE GARBIN
Position: GS/GA
Garbin won the battle with Donell Wallam for a spot in this year’s World Cup side, and is set to make a huge impact. She has the upperhand of 10 test caps and can switch between goal shooter and goal attack.
Garbin was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia but bypassed the Fever in her SSN career. The former NSW Swift-turned Collingwood Magpie began her junior career at St Bernadette’s. After debuting in the national league in 2018, Garbin has flourished and has become one of the biggest names in the sport.
Sporting talent seems to run in the family, with older sister Darcee Garbin donning the green and gold for the Australian women’s basketball team, the Opals. The World Cup will offer Garbin a chance to level her sister’s accolade list after the Opals won bronze at the 2022 World Cup.
Junior club: St Bernadette’s Netball club
DONNELL WALLAM – Shooter Reserve
Position: GS
Born in Harvey, Western Australia, Wallam is a basketballer-turned-netballer with a little over five years of playing experience.
Her background in the fellow court sport has clearly transferred into a nifty skillset.
Wallam’s netball journey started in the Vitality Netball Superleague (UK) before she moved to the Sunshine State of Australia.
After debuting for the Firebirds in 2022 and having a breakout Suncorp Super Netball season, she donned the green and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
A tough selection field meant she narrowly missed out on World Cup selection to Sophie Garbin and will instead travel as the reserve shooter.
It’s a setback in the scheme of Wallam’s quickly developing career, but the 29-year-old still has years ahead of her.
Junior club: Harvey Bulls Netball club
LIZ WATSON – (C)
Position: WA/C
Watson was born in Carlton and raised in Pascoe Vale South where she attended Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School.
Her two uncles and older brother are all former Australian rules footballers.
As of 2022, she has juggled her netball career with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at La Trobe University.
Watson’s selection into the World Cup side was a sure pick from the beginning.
Her 65 test caps, coupled with an instinct for natural leadership, has earned her the green and gold dress for another run.
Debuting in national league netball in 2014, is one of the most coloured members of the Aussie side.
Junior club: Park Panthers Netball club
Faye Wilson, junior coach at Park Panthers: “She had the skill and ability from a young age and was so easy to coach. Liz was team oriented and worked well with all her peers. We think the world of her, we’re so proud.”
PAIGE HADLEY
Position: WD/C/WA
Another Sydney-born Product, Hadley began playing netball at the age of seven and remained a loyal member of the Penrith District Netball Association through her junior years.
She was as studious as she was athletic, obtaining an ATAR 97.80 and a Bachelor of Business and Commerce while simultaneously playing professionally for the Swifts.
Hadley debuted in national league netball in 2012, making her one of the most experienced players in the World Cup squad.
With 40 test cups under her belt and over 150 national league appearances, she returns to wear the green and gold after battling a calf-injury that impeded her Commonwealth Games campaign last year.
Junior club: St Clair’s Netball club
Skye Lyden, junior coach at St Clair’s: “Paige Hadley as a nine-year-old, in her second year of netball was a quiet achiever and I clearly remember her beautiful blonde ponytails with matching ribbons.
“As the years progressed, Paige showed natural talent and the drive to always improve.
“Paige grew up on the netball courts and passed on to her was her sportsmanship and team ethic.
“We couldn‘t be any more proud of Paige and all of her amazing achievements.”
Lisa Zerafa junior coach at St Clair’s: “Paige was very easy to coach. She was a natural, very fit when everyone else was tired Paige would keep going. She was a very determined player and gave 110% when she was on the court.
“When Paige got the ball you always knew she would take the right option.
“She did however shed a few tears if she fell over as she played so hard but definitely toughened up over the years. Paige now has become a great player and also a great role model.”
JAMIE-LEE PRICE
Position: C/WD
The daughter of Australian Rugby League star Steve Price and sister to Cowboys player Riley Price, Jamie-Lee ‘JLP’ Price may have missed the cut for Commonwealth games in 2022 but is back and better than ever in time for the World Cup.
Her consistent performances for the Giants this Suncorp Super Netball season set her apart, and she is set to gel nicely with a starring Diamonds line-up.
With 30 test caps and 10 years in national league ranks, her experience will benefit the mid-court. A wing defence specialist with centre capabilities, Price will be handy to have on board.
Junior club: Bankstown Blues Netball club
ASH BRAZIL
Position: C/WD
Australia’s mid-court ranks are one of the best in the world, and Brazil’s extensive national league experience just adds more.
The multi-sport talent was born in Campbelltown, New South Wales and spent her junior club years playing for Bargo Netball club before reaching National level honours.
After stepping on court for the first time in 2010 for the then ANZ Championship, Brazill took up a stint with Collingwood in the AFLW before switching back to focus on the court and representing Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
For the period of 2018 to 2022 excluding 2021, Brazill was committed to both teams.
The zippy centre has donned the green and gold 10 times, and it is no secret her athleticism will be an asset for the Diamonds this World Cup.
Junior club: Bargo Netball club
KATE MOLONEY – Mid-Court Reserve
Position: WD/C/WA
Moloney snuck into the Commonwealth Games squad in 2022 over Jamie-lee Price, but a talent-flooded mid-court in 2023 makes her selection as a travelling reserve for the World Cup squad just as big of an accomplishment.
From her roots at Sacred Heart in her junior years, right up to her 27 test caps and decade-long national league career, Moloney is the epitome of Diamond Spirit.
She was born in Greensborough, Victoria and attended school at Catholic Ladies College in Eltham. In 2017 she captained the Australian Fast5 team which competed in Melbourne, and has been a Melbourne Vixens’ co-captain since.
Junior club: Sacred Heart Netball club
Carol Towers, junior coach at Sacred Heart: “I coached Kate Moloney for many of her years that she played with Sacred Heart Netball club. She was usually the shortest player on the court but put in 110% into every game she played. From little things big things grow! She happily played in any position on the court and was fearless and competitive in every game. She always trained hard and listened to her coaches’ guidance and advice.”
JO WESTON
Position: GK/GD/WD
Another sure pick, Corowa-born Weston will return to the Aussie squad after missing the latest Quad series due to a calf injury and simultaneous shoulder niggle.
On her return to the Vixens line-up this year, her trademark - and hard-to-miss - arms over have done wonders for her bid to pull on the green and gold dress. Weston boasts the ability to play all three defensive positions and is relentless in her pressure.
The life-long defender will feel right at home with the Diamonds squad, having 57 test appearances on her resume since debuting at national level in 2014 – the same year as Watson.
Her netball career began at Waverley Districts Netball Association where her junior coaches still hold memories of the young star.
After high school, Watson obtained a Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne University and has since begun studying a Masters of Communication at Deakin University. A full schedule must not scare one bit.
Junior club: Waverley District Netball Association
Lindsay, junior coach at WDNA: “She was very tall and very lanky, and a great team leader. Jo was always a defender, from her junior years all the way up.”
SARAH KLAU
Position: GK/GD
There’s no doubt in saying Klau has been a pest for Suncorp Super netball shooters all season, and her most recent performance for the Swifts proves just that.
With an ability to play around the circle, and 32 tests appearances since her national league debut in 2016, she is set to make a difference to the Diamond’s defensive ranks.
The South Australian-born Immanuel College alumni is a former Adelaide Thunderbird who switched to the NSW Swifts in 2018.
From way back in her junior years, Klau has a knack for bringing the flair and is known to perform best under the pressure of big games, making her the perfect fit to don the Aussie colours once again.
In late March of 2023, she celebrated her 100th national league game on home soil in Adelaide, a moment she describes as ‘full circle’ for good reason.
Junior club: Southern Eagles Netball club
Junior club statement: “As a junior Sarah was a determined, consistent and dedicated player, she had a flare for the game which came naturally. She was a pleasure to coach and we are not surprised to see her on the court at a national level.”
COURTNEY BRUCE
Position: GK/GD
Born in Gosnells in Western Australia, Bruce was known as the ‘quiet one’ at her junior club but has grown up to be a natural leader.
Her parents signed her on to play club with the primary goal of overcoming that shyness and boy has it worked.
The West Coast fever defender and captain debuted at national league level in 2013 and has racked up 60 test caps in her now decade-long professional netball career.
Bruce has been around for the highs and lows while representing Australia, but has been a consistent performer. Through it all, Bruce’s words of wisdom say you play your best netball when you’re having fun: a tip for any aspiring Diamond.
Junior club: Zodiacs Netball club
Todd Gallager, junior coach at Zodiacs:“Courtney was a really sweet, super shy kid, but we knew early on she was going to be a superstar.
“Even as a junior, Courtney was an athletic netballer who was dedicated to her training, always listened to me as her coach and wanted to learn more to do the best she could for her team.
“Courtney loved her team and the club, and we had some great times together. Courtney never forgets where she came from and it fills me with great pride to watch her play for Australia. I feel she is the best in the world, but I may be biased.”
SUNDAY ARYANG
Position: GK/GD/WD
Since being named in the Diamonds’ extended squad, Aryang has done nothing but prove herself a sure pick.
The Ethiopian-born defender dons the West Fever dress in the Suncorp Super Netball series and debuted at national league level in 2019. In the four years since, she has represented Australia 10 times.
Compared to some, Aryang was late to the party and started her juniors career at aged 12, meaning the star has only been on-court for 10 years - that’s equal with Paige Hadley’s national league career.
What’s more, she is the only Ethiopian-born athlete to play in the Suncorp Super Netball series let alone reach Diamond status.
Junior club: Illusions Netball club
RUBY BAKEWELL-DORAN – Defence Reserve
GK/ GD/ WD
One of the youngest in the squad, Bakewell-Doran debuted for the Firebirds in 2021 after a stint as training partner.
The Queenslander came through the ranks from junior age at Downey Park, right through the Brisbane North Cougars pathway and eventually in the purple dress for Suncorp Super Netball.
Although she was born in the NSW city of Newcastle, it’s no secret the Sunshine State is her true home.
Junior club: Valley’s Netball club
Kathy Chapman, junior coach at Valley’s:“I coached Ruby in her very first netball team at Valleys Netball club, Downey Park Association.
“It was a team made up of her friends and schoolmates from Oakleigh State School at Ashgrove. Right from the start it was easy to see that Ruby was a naturally talented athlete who would do well with whatever sport she chose.
“However, she had a natural affinity with netball – picking the skills up quickly and thriving on the contest that it provided.
“She was always super enthusiastic and dedicated in training and games but was also fiercely competitive – she hated it when someone beat her in a sprint or when it was her turn to sit off … she just always wanted to be playing.
“She has worked really hard at her netball since she was that 8 year old newbie and fully deserves everything that she has achieved. We are all so incredibly proud of her.”
Elizabeth, junior coach at Valley’s: “Ruby from a very young age always loved her netball. She joined Valleys netball club at Downey Park.
“She was always happy and just loved getting the ball. At 15 she was starting to stand out as a talented netballer when she suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined her. Ruby missed the 17’s age group.
“Her return to the court was shaky with 2 steps forward and 1 step back. As her confidence grew so did her dominance on court.”
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