Netball news 2023: Diamonds unveil squad to face South Africa, Matilda Garrett named

The Diamonds will unleash some youth in their series against South Africa later this month, with coach Stacey Marinkovich naming some fresh faces in her 12-strong squad.

Victorian defender Matilda Garrett is in line to make her Diamonds debut later this month after being announced in Australia’s squad to face South Africa in a three-Test series.

The Thunderbirds premiership winner is one of 12 players named in coach Stacey Marinkovich’s squad to face the Proteas in their first tour of Australia since 2005.

Garrett, a versatile tall who can play across all three defensive positions, was named in the wider Diamonds squad ahead of the World Cup and while she was overlooked for duties in South Africa, selectors have looked to the future in including her for the series against the Proteas.

Joining Garrett in defence are World Cup returning Diamonds Sunday Aryang, Courtney Bruce and Sarah Klau.

Garrett comes into the squad for Jo Weston, who will play the Constellation Cup tournament, which starts in Melbourne on Thursday night.

Matilda Garrett is in line to make her Diamonds debut this month. Picture: Getty

Captain Liz Watson and newly appointed vice-captain Paige Hadley will lead the midcourt alongside Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter, who comes into the team for Kate Moloney, who will play the New Zealand series.

The selected shooting circle for the series will comprise of Cara Koenen, Sophie Garbin, Sophie Dwyer and Donnell Wallam.

Wallam comes in for World Cup final MVP Kiera Austin, who will play the Constellation Cup series.

Queensland Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran was not considered for selection due to an ankle injury, while Maddy Proud, who is also in the wider Diamonds squad has a knee injury and did not take part in the camp this week.

Liz Watson will lead the Diamonds in the South Africa series. Picture: Getty

The Diamonds will open the series in Cairns on October 25, just over 48 hours after the final Test of the four-match Constellation Cup tournament finishes in Auckland.

“We are looking forward to playing South Africa this month as we haven’t met them since the QuadSeries earlier this year,” Marinkovich said.

“This series provides us with the opportunity to explore various combinations and skill sets and continue to drive performance against another style of play.”

Every match of the Constellation Cup and South Africa Series will be available to watch on Fox Netball plus free and live on Kayo Freebies.

DIAMONDS SQUAD TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA

Sunday Aryang

Courtney Bruce

Sophie Dwyer

Sophie Garbin

Matilda Garrett

Paige Hadley

Sarah Klau

Cara Koenen

Amy Parmenter

Jamie-Lee Price

Donnell Wallam

Liz Watson

Originally published as Netball news 2023: Diamonds unveil squad to face South Africa, Matilda Garrett named