Mannix called up to international squad
GEELONG netballer Emily Mannix has been elevated into the Australian Diamonds squad for next year’s Quad Series tournament in England and South Africa.
Mannix replaces defender Sharni Layton, who was withdrawn after failing to receive a medical clearance.
Mannix, 23, made her Australian debut in September in a 10-goal loss against New Zealand (the Silver Ferns) and will join Melbourne Vixens teammates Kate Moloney, Liz Watson and Jo Weston in the 14player squad.
The Quad Series will be the final tournament for the Diamonds before next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Head coach Lisa Alexander said Layton still had a chance to press claims for selection.
“Sharni is progressing well with her training at (Collingwood), but has fallen just short of what is required to be Test match ready,” Alexander said.
“We were clear from the outset that her selection would be subject to medical clearance, and we need 14 athletes ready to go in January, for what will be a very demanding Test series.
“She will continue in her training with the Magpies (and) will join us at the Commonwealth Games simulation camp, which will also be a selection camp . . . and is very much in the mix for selection in the Commonwealth Games.”
Mannix was a training partner for the Diamonds this year and replaced Layton for the September Quad Series after the defender pulled out of the tournament with exhaustion.
DIAMONDS SQUAD: Caitlin Bassett, April Brandley, Courtney Bruce, Paige Hadley, Emily Mannix, Kate Moloney, Susan Pettitt, Kim Ravaillion, Gabi Simpson, Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett, Liz Watson, Jo Weston, Stephanie Wood.