Netball World Cup 2023: Key retirements, Comm Games void and SSN challenges to shape Diamonds
Ash Brazill and Steph Wood have retired and more change is coming. NAT MEDHURST explains what‘s next for the Diamonds.
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A strange feeling always sets in immediately after a big tournament – and especially with a World Cup title in hand. After living in each other’s back pockets for ages, and being part of a group focused on a single outcome, everyone suddenly disperses and that team is no longer.
That would particularly be the case with this Diamonds group.
Retirements have already been announced – and some futures are no doubt being considered – meaning that the team that took the court in Cape Town has truly played its last game together.
So, what will the next iteration of the Diamonds look like?
Here are my thoughts.
RIDING INTO THE SUNSET
Diamonds vice-captain Steph Wood announced on Wednesday she was retiring from international netball. She joins Ash Brazill, who stated during the SSN competition that she would be walking away from all formats effective from the end of the World Cup.
They’re unlikely to be the last retirements in the next World Cup cycle.
While I’m the last person to say age should be a factor in an athlete’s ability to play at the top level, factors including form, injury, selection and life decisions – like starting a family, work aspirations or just being over netball – all factor into the thinking.
Brazill and Wood got the fairytale ending. Many don’t.
Eight of the 15 players in the Diamonds’ World Cup squad are aged 28 or older, including the three travelling reserves. You would think it unlikely, though not impossible, that all of Liz Watson, Paige Hadley, Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce make it to the 2027 World Cup. The same applies to Donnell Wallam, who only made her debut this year, but turns 30 in the early new year.
Stacey Marinkovich will be tasked with striking the balance between having experience on the court and long-term succession planning for the next major.
SUCCESSION PLANS
There is plenty of talk, especially around majors, about the heavy use of imports in the Super Netball competition. But make now mistake: Australian netball is full of talent. And that is especially the case through the mid court.
With Brazill vacating the wing defence position, competition will be hot for that starting seven bib.
Jaime Lee Price will be looking for more consistent court time after Cape Town but there will be huge competition from Amy Parmenter as well as Kate Maloney, who will be eager to get herself back into the Diamonds team travelling to South Africa as a reserve.
Maddy Proud is another more seasoned player keen to work her way into the mix. Longer term, there are the likes of Hannah Mundy, Jordan Cransberg, Macy Gardner and Tayla Williams, all of whom have enormous potential and will be watched closely, especially in 2024.
But for me, it is the defensive and shooting ends where things get interesting.
There is certainly talent, but not to the same level as the midcourt. Defenders such as Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Matilda Garrett and even Liv Lewis are impressive SSN players, but can they step up and step into the shoes of defenders currently in the Diamonds side?
Also, Australia once had an abundance of riches in the shooting circle and, while Wallam and Sophie Dwyer are in the wings, are they the ones to carry the team into possible 2026 and 2027 campaigns?
Thunderbirds goal shooter Lucy Austin burst onto the scene this season, yet her immediate challenge will be backing that up next year at domestic level before she contemplates stepping out in the green and gold.
Domestic performances do not automatically translate to international success.
Time is needed to develop genuine depth.
COMM GAMES VOID
It has already been a long year of netball – and it’s far from done.
After a short break, players will be back on the international stage in October starting with the four Test Constellation Cup against New Zealand. Marinkovich will no doubt be wanting to continue the team’s winning streak into the new year, but there is also the next major to plan for.
The question is: when will it be?
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in doubt following Victoria’s decision to renege as hosts, Australia’s focus and strategy could shift. Many decisions around squad construction are built around the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup.
If, indeed, there are no Commonwealth Games to look forward to, planning for the next World Cup will need to change and the motivation of some players to push through to 2027 could be shaken.
THE BIG SSN QUESTION
There has been much discussion about whether Super Netball should introduce a ninth license into the competition. Personally, I don’t feel this is possible at the moment, nor should it be a priority for the league.
Outside of the well-documented financial state of the sport – and the need for a big injection of funding at the grassroots and professional levels – I believe the league needs to increase contracted positions within existing teams before a ninth license is even considered.
Why?
Firstly, we have the depth of talent to support it.
Secondly, there should be accountability on players to perform every week in order to maintain their place in a side. Right now, with only 10 players contracted and no space to be dropped, complacency can creep in and hinder development and the standard of play at the elite level.
Even if SSN kept the provision of only naming 10 on the bench, by allowing players to be moved, rather than on the pretence of injury or illness, I believe this would better develop our players and create far more competitive club environments, which can only be a positive.
Finally, the physical loading on those contracted 10 is enormous. With training partners under training load restrictions, the contracted 10 are asked to place incredible demands on their bodies.
Increasing contract lists would allow for greater rotation and numbers at training, which would in turn reduce injuries. And for those worried about opening the door to more imports: there have conversations about those additional spots being used for Australian talent under a specific age (I believe 23 years and under was floated) to also support development and expose them to the elite level.
The next World Cup feels like a lifetime away, but it will be upon us in the blink of an eye.
Maximising opportunities to keep players in our sport and providing more opportunities at the elite level are imperative.
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