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Australian Diamonds set to play sellout matches at MyState Bank Arena

The world champion Australian Diamonds have touched down in Hobart ahead of two sell out games against South Africa beginning on Sunday.

Diamonds dazzle to defeat South Africa by 19 points

A soldout crowd is set to welcome the world champion Australian Diamonds to Hobart on Sunday in the first of their two matches against South Africa at MyState Bank Arena.

The final two matches in the Diamonds three-match series against the Proteas sees the Diamonds playing in the state’s capital for the first time after previously hosting matches at the Silverdome in Launceston.

Diamonds players trained in Hobart on Saturday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
Diamonds players trained in Hobart on Saturday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

After securing a 62-43 win in the two sides’ first match in Cairns on Wednesday, the Diamonds touched down in Hobart on Friday before hosting an open training and autograph opportunity for fans in Sorell on Saturday.

Vice-captain Paige Hadley said the opportunity to bring international netball to Hobart for the very first time was something the entire squad was excited about.

“It’s been a crazy travel the last few weeks but excited to be in Tasmania for the next few days and hit the court with the rest of the girls,” Hadley said.

Australian Diamonds vice-captain Paige Hadley said the team was excited to be in Hobart for the very first time. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
Australian Diamonds vice-captain Paige Hadley said the team was excited to be in Hobart for the very first time. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I think it’s huge (to get down to Hobart) because you can’t be what you don’t know and see so being able to play in Cairns and now Hobart, fans are so grateful.

“They just love their netball and I think it’s great that the Tasmanian government (and Netball Australia) have been able to get us down here.”

With just over 3,800 tickets sold for Sunday’s game, Hadley couldn’t wait to play in an atmosphere akin to what Tasmania’s NBL side experiences each home game.

“We went to the JackJumpers game (on Friday night) and the arena was unreal so hopefully we can have the same on Sunday,” she said.

Sunday’s match begins at 4:00pm with Tuesday’s game at the later time of 7:10pm.

Limited tickets still available for the second clash.

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/australian-diamonds-set-to-play-sellout-matches-at-mystate-bank-arena/news-story/3d31391e738c7e10d364c8f9437f4bd2