New Diamond set to shine in green and gold

NETBALLER Jamie Lee Price never visualised herself as a woman in black.

The Giants midcourter admits that despite living in New Zealand for 13 years and even playing in their top leagues, it was always a green and gold uniform she wanted to wear.

Now Price is a step closer to her dream after being named as one of 17 players in the new-look Diamonds netball squad revealed on Sunday.

“I almost cried but I didn’t. I might have yelled a bit though,’’ Price said of hearing the news of her inclusion in a phone call from coach Lisa Alexander.

“I was so excited. It really is a dream come true.’’

Price still needs to impress Alexander and fellow selectors in the final rounds and playoffs of Super Netball to actually get her hands on a Diamonds uniform but says she is up for the challenge.

“While I lived in New Zealand for 13 years I have always had a connection to Australia where I was born,’’ Price said

“It was Australia I dreamt of playing for. I wanted to do what my father and uncle (Brent Tate) had done.

“Now it’s closer but I can’t stress. I just have to keep playing the best I can for the Giants and hope for the best.’’

Alexander has opted to introduce more youth into her squad with the world championships in the UK just a year away.

The teams for the September Quad series and October Constellation Cup will be named post the Super Netball Grand Final in August.

Price and her Giants teammates have a big task ahead this weekend when they travel to Melbourne to take on the in-form Vixens in their Super Netball clash on Sunday.

The Swifts are also in Melbourne for their Saturday game against the Magpies.