Constellation Cup: Kate Moloney aims to make most of Diamonds call

Kate Moloney is determined to make the most of a rare chance to impress national selectors after a late call-up for the Diamonds.

Vixens captain Kate Moloney has been recalled to the Diamonds for the Constellation Cup. Picture: AAP

Kate Moloney is determined to make the most of a rare chance to impress national selectors after a late call-up for the ­Diamonds for tomorrow’s Constellation Cup match against New Zealand in Brisbane.

The Vixens captain has spent the past two years living on the bubble of selection, mostly squeezed out by a talented Australian midcourt.

Moloney made her international debut in last year’s Constellation Cup, and made brief appearances in three Tests before being dropped ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

She watched Australia’s gold-medal loss to England on the Gold Coast at the house of Vixens coach Simone McKinniss, a “tough game to watch” for a player who barely missed out on selection.

“I think being in the team and then not making it last time it really does make you even more hungry and motivated to get back in there,” Moloney said.

Her inclusion for the Constellation Cup came only after stalwart centre Kim Ravaillion withdrew from the team, citing the need to “recharge mentally and physically”.

It’s been a challenging year for Ravaillion, who has struggled with form during a long season of international and club duties.

Diamonds head coach Lisa Alexander said: “Clearly, Rav has been struggling for quite a while, and obviously has been after the (Commonwealth Games) final as well. That took a lot out of her.’’

Two turnovers in the dying moments of that loss only strengthened the arguments of Ravaillion’s critics on social media.

Alexander denied rumours she had pushed Ravaillion out of the team, and fired a shot at the player’s more vocal detractors.

“It does affect the players deeply … what I want people to understand out there in social media world is the players aren’t superheroes. They are people at the end of the day. And they hurt,” Alexander said.

Ravaillion told her teammates she had decided to take a break before they took the court against the Silver Ferns a fortnight ago. She played free and confident netball that day, winning her match-up against Laura Langman and putting in her best performance of the season.

Moloney now has two matches (Jamie-Lee Price will step in for the remaining two in New Zealand) to impress selectors and inch her way closer to a permanent spot in the team.

Alexander wants to use this series to put players out on court and give them opportunities. Moloney will “take any court time” she can get, and just wants the chance to show her ability.

The key for 25-year-old Moloney, according to Alexander, is to simply play her role. When Moloney was made captain of the Vixens last year, she seemed to try and do too much on court at times.

The growth of fellow Melbourne players Jo Weston and Liz Watson, both now entrenched Diamonds, has allowed Moloney to slighty relax her hold on the reins, and bring her teammates into the game more.

Moloney’s ability to strike that balance has impressed Alexander, as has the chemistry she shows on court with her fellow Vixens. Moloney, Weston, Watson and Emily Mannix have all been playing netball together since under-17 level in Victoria. Now, almost a decade later, they will have a chance to take the court together on an international stage.

The Diamonds need to be ready for a physical battle after Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua scolded her team’s lack of commitment and a “victim mentality” in the recent Quad Series.

Alexander is also looking for cleaner transitions from turnovers after some scrappy performances in last month’s tournament.