Diamonds debut adds lustre to Browne’s season

GEELONG’S Kelsey Browne didn’t think things could get much better after winning back-to-back Super Netball crowns with the Sunshine Coast Lightning last month.

Then the call came from Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander.

Not only had Browne been elevated to the Diamonds’ squad for the first time, but she’d been fast-tracked into the team for this month’s quad series against South Africa, England and New Zealand and next month’s Constellation Cup.

A whirlwind month was capped off last week when she signed to play alongside older sister Madi Robinson at the Magpies in the Super Netball league.

Now, the speedy midcourt ace has the chance to make her debut for the Diamonds in their opening quad series Test against South Africa in Auckland tonight.

“It has been a bit of a whirlwind,’’ Browne said.

“After the premiership on the Sunday, I got the call from Lisa on the Tuesday and by the Thursday I made my decision to go to Collingwood. I didn’t think that things could get much better than going backto-back and then the surprises just kept happening.

“It’s massive for me (to get into the Diamonds’ team). It’s kind of the cherry on top and I’m really excited to sink my teeth into the Diamonds.’’

Browne’s opportunity with the Diamonds comes after Robinson announced her retirement from international netball in July after 61 Tests.

While Robinson has a wealth of international knowledge to tap into, Browne has opted not to lean on her for too much advice, preferring to go into her first series without “preconceived ideas”.

Browne said next year’s Netball World Cup in Liverpool would be a motivating force during this year’s internationals.

“Obviously World Cup is in the frame in the next 12 months,’’ she said. “I just want to keep pushing and making sure that I’m putting my hand up and taking the opportunities that are given to me.’’