Netball World Cup 2023: Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich not worried by shooter Sophie Garbin’s form
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich has revealed why she has backed one of Australia’s stars for the World Cup despite her indifferent Super Netball form.
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Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich says she is not concerned by the form of Sophie Garbin, despite stats showing she is well below her best almost halfway through the season.
Garbin has the lowest overall shooting percentage of any goaler named in the Diamonds’ preliminary World Cup squad on Thursday and the most turnovers through six games.
But Marinkovich is maintaining faith in one of the Diamonds’ most improved performers through last year’s domestic Test series, giving Garbin every chance to be at her best by the World Cup and part of Australia’s campaign.
“For me, it’s not a concern,” Marinkovich said of Garbin’s form.
“I think we can have some really open conversations around the performance of every athlete in the sport to keep making sure that we’re aligned and that we know where what direction everyone’s going towards that World Cup, whilst also embracing and delivering in their SSN (Super Netball) environments.”
With little time in camp to forge new combinations, Marinkovich has put her faith in the players that have worn the gold dress over the past two years, adding just one player to her squad in Adelaide Thunderbirds defender Matilda Garrett.
A Thunderbirds bolter highlights the Diamonds squad that will try to win the World Cup later this year.
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) April 27, 2023
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Without star goaler Gretel Bueta, the Diamonds need someone to step up at goal shooter and Garbin looked the woman after breakout performances in last year’s Constellation Cup and Roses series wins.
But with the Magpies boasting world class holding shooter Shimona Nelson, Garbin dons the goal attack bib in Super Netball and is often forced into unfamiliar roles, while the Pies’ form this season — they are a disappointing 2-4 in seventh place on the ladder after a strong start - often leaves her chasing super shot conversions late in the game as they attempt to play catch-up.
If it’s affecting her stats and confidence, it’s not done the same to the judgement of Marinkovich and her selectors.
“We knew from day dot that Sophie would be in a club playing goal attack,” Marinkovich said.
“So it’s making sure that we continue to have oversight as to what she’s doing in the background for that goal shooter preparation.
“There’s things that out on court will continue to evolve throughout the season.
“Ultimately, you want them performing and in really good form in (Super Netball). For me as a coach, it’s making sure that everyone’s playing at their absolute best to be able to go into a World Cup.”
Garbin’s ability to play at goal attack has added a string to her bow and her 10 Test caps will stand her in good stead.
“We’ve had some really good rotation within the squad, as we’ve made sure that we understand the performance of athletes, particularly through that Constellation Cup and England series,” Marinkovich said.
“Gretel isn’t available, so we’ve had to work through those combinations and get time for them and we’ve been able to get some good performances with that variety.
“So we feel really comfortable. You’re not replacing Gretel but you’re actually extending and embracing the strengths and skill sets of others.”
Meanwhile, Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion said her team would take plenty of confidence into Saturday’s opening round 7 clash against the Melbourne Vixens after notching their first win of the season against the Giants last week.
“There’s a lot of positive energy, we really appreciated that win,” Ravaillion said.
“It’s been building and now it’s just about carrying on and making sure that we really own the rest of our season.
“There was a lot of weight on our shoulders having to get that win but now that we’ve got it, there’s a sense of belief back in the bellies of this group and the positive vibes around camp have been awesome, so we’re very excited to take on the Vixens this weekend.”
The Firebirds beat last year’s grand finalists when they met at the pre-season Team Girls Cup on the Gold Coast and hope to repeat the dose on the Vixens’ home court.
“I think we can definitely hold a bit of confidence after beating them at Team Girls Cup. It’s always a really good, physical game against them and I’m personally excited to take it to them this weekend.”
Ravaillion’s personal battle with Vixens centre Kate Moloney could be a highlight after the 60-Test veteran was again left out of Stacey Marinkovich’s squad, although the Melbourne side will be determined to bounce back after being knocked out of the four following their loss to the Swifts last week.
The Vixens are also celebrating Heritage Round and marking the 20th anniversary of the Melbourne Phoenix’s 2003 premiership.
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