Lisa Alexander sacked as Diamonds coach by Netball Australia

Netball Australia have axed head coach Lisa Alexander, in a massive shock to those inside the sport.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander. Picture: Getty Images

Netball Australia and Australian Diamonds head coach Lisa Alexander have parted ways, according to media reports.

Netball Australia chief executive Marne Fechner will hold a press conference for an “important announcement” at 1pm in Melbourne.

Her departure has come as a massive shock to those inside the sport in Australia and in New Zealand.

Alexander assumed the role in 2011, and coached her 100th match with the Diamonds last October. Australia won gold at the Netball World Cup twice during that time, and once at the Commonwealth Games.

But silver medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 World Cup resulted in widespread speculation that she would not be given another four years in charge.

The Diamonds finished their 2019 campaign by beating the New Zealand Silver Ferns in a four-match test series, after which Alexander was confident of retaining her position.

The Diamonds will compete against a Super Netball All Star team in a special bushfire relief match in Sydney on the first of March.

Alexander had been heavily involved in the match preparations, and selected both teams. It will serve as her final match in charge.