Diamonds shocks as two big names dropped for World Cup

Diamonds vice-captain Gabi Simpson and midcourt star Kim Ravaillion are both expected to miss the 2019 Netball World Cup.

Gabi Simpson is set to be omitted from the Diamonds’ World Cup squad

Diamonds vice-captain Gabi Simpson and midcourt star Kim Ravaillion are both expected to miss the 2019 Netball World Cup, after news of the Australian team was broken before an official announcement.

All squad members were informed of their fate on Monday by head coach Lisa Alexander. The team was set to be unveiled on the Nine Network on Thursday morning after a two-day appeals period provided to dropped players.

All the drama heading into this World Cup has been in a crowded midcourt where eight Diamonds were fighting for four dresses.

The rampant form of Paige Hadley with the NSW Swifts has seemingly forced a remarkable recall for the player who won gold with Australia in 2015, but missed last year’s Commonwealth Games.

Recent debutantes Kelsey Browne and Jamie-Lee Price appear to have forced out the more experienced Simpson and Ravaillion, with reigning Diamond of the Year Liz Watson locked into the final spot.

Simpson has struggled with a groin injury throughout the current netball season, missing some rounds and only playing restricted minutes in others.

Ravaillion had been a fixture of Diamonds teams for years, but withdrew from the team last September due to burnout, and hasn’t played for the team since.

The shooting end contains no surprises: captain Caitlin Bassett joined by Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett and Steph Wood.

There was one surprise in the defensive third: Swift Sarah Klau set to replace incumbent Vixen Emily Mannix, with the rest of the unit filled out by Courtney Bruce, Jo Weston and April Brandley.

The team includes only three players from the triumphant 2015 side. The Diamonds will head to England after round nine of the Super Netball season, which wraps on the 23rd of June.