Coach warns of toughest job in history as Diamonds prepare to name World Cup squad

Three selfless players will be assigned the toughest roles in Diamonds history when the World Cup squad is named this week. Our experts pick who should be on the plane to South Africa.

They’re the three players with arguably the toughest job in the Australian netball squad and one coach Stacey Marinkovich has described as the “hardest roles to play in Diamonds history”.

Marinkovich will name her 15-woman World Cup squad this week – a group that includes a 12-player team and three reserves.

There’s nothing new in that. But for the first time, those reserves could possibly play a part in the campaign, being slotted into the team in case of injury or illness.

That means they’ll not only be asked to perform a selfless role in preparing the team but will have to sit courtside at the sport’s pinnacle event so near and yet so far, from playing.

Who will make Stacey Marinkovich’s squad? (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Effectively, they’ll be the proverbial kids in the candy store – who can’t taste a thing.

“Those three reserve players, it’s going to be one of the hardest roles to ever play in Diamonds history because you will be at the event for the entire time, yet with little chance of actually taking the court,” Marinkovich said.

“So not only is it going to be a skill set (that they’re chosen for), but it’s got to be a real squad mentality.

“There’s a role that they’re going to need to play and be able to put aside their personal ambition for the greater good of the team.

“So they have a huge role to play in our preparation and they’ve also got to always be ready to go.”

Former Diamonds midcourter and Fox Netball commentator Madi Browne said the reserves did not always get the credit they deserved.

“It is really, really hard to go along and know that you’re so close,” Browne said.

“Even in the lead-up (to the World Cup), there will be people that are in the 12 who might get a bit of a niggle, they’ll be rested from training and you’re happy to pick up that extra load so training can continue.

“You definitely don’t want your teammates to get injured or anything to happen – but the only way you get your opportunity is if something does.”

Sophie Garbin is expected to be one of those reserve players. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for Netball Australia

Browne said it almost took a “rewiring” of the athlete brain to take on the role given it almost asked players to shelve their competitive side.

“They’re going to have to put on a brave face even when they’re possibly hurting inside,” Browne said.

“Because let’s be honest, every athlete wants to be out there.

“It’s a real battle you have to play with yourself, being this selfless person, really going and sacrificing a lot of what you’ve worked so hard for over a part of your career to be part of this, for the betterment and the success of the nation.

“It takes a special person to take on those roles.”

WHY: This is the team that Stacey Marinkovich has been building since taking the reins of the Diamonds three years ago and one that has won every major trophy on offer in the sport over the past two years. It’s a squad of big game matchwinners, with depth throughout. The reserves have the ability to enter the team seamlessly if required and the selflessness needed to prepare the team knowing they are unlikely to ever hit the court. Wallam’s Super Netball form and continued development demands she be included in the 12 ahead of Garbin; Brazill’s experience and big-game performances get her over the line at wing defence; Aryang shades Bakewell-Doran – just.

THE SHOCK: No real shocks here. Talking points come in the midcourt, with Moloney the casualty – perhaps unfairly after her outstanding Commonwealth Games showing last year. But Price’s form has to be rewarded and the balance of the team suits having an attacking mid like Proud available in case of injury.

WHY: If the Diamonds want to go far at this World Cup they need a dynamic team with a mix of experience and depth. Ruby Bakewell-Doran might not have much experience in the green and gold dress but her efforts on the court this Super Netball season prove she is ready for the call-up. Put her in the circle alongside experienced defenders Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau and Jo Weston and Bakewell-Doran will only thrive.

The key to a successful midcourt is depth – specialist one position players don’t work in a tournament as long and tough as a World Cup – so I’ve gone with talented all-round midcourters.

Cara Koenen showed her skills at the Commonwealth Games – she was an easy inclusion. I think there would be a big ‘what if we had factor’ if Wallam isn’t in the team – she is just too good in those do or die situations.

THE SHOCK: It wasn’t an easy decision between Ash Brazill and Jamie-Lee Price but in my book JLP is just unstoppable at the moment. Sure Brazill has had a tough run at the Magpies this season but Price’s efforts deserve to be rewarded and I don’t think she will disappoint.

Originally published as Coach warns of toughest job in history as Diamonds prepare to name World Cup squad