Browne in line for Diamonds
SUNSHINE Coast Lightning coach Noeline Taurua hopes her team’s title-winning display will help propel Kelsey Browne into the Diamonds’ set-up.
Geelong’s Browne has long been known as the younger sister of former international netball star Madi Robinson.
And at 164cm, Browne was also known for being the shortest player in Super Netball.
But she has added another title to her growing list this season — classy wing attack.
Browne’s standout performances during this year’s finals series could see her rewarded with a dream international call-up for Australia.
The 26-year-old missed out on being named in the initial 17-person squad for the upcoming Quad Series and Constellation Cup, but up to five more players will be added soon.
“I’d love to see her there,” Taurua said. “There’s still a lot of work that Kelsey needs to do and she’s not short in saying that.
“But I think she has stood up against all the wing defences that are currently in the Australian Diamonds side. So I’d like to think she will get the opportunity.”
Sunshine Coast came from seven goals down to win Sunday’s grand final, beating the Fever 62-59 in Perth.
Browne finished with a game-high 19 goal assists in the title decider and committed just one general play turnover.
The Lightning’s second straight title was a hard grind throughout the entire season.
They lost their first three games before scraping into fourth spot.
They then beat the Firebirds and Giants in elimination finals before defeating West Coast on enemy territory.
With all Super Netball players now out of contract, the Lightning face the challenge of trying to keep their title-winning squad together.