Diamonds standing by stance

VETERAN Australian Diamonds defender Jo Weston is adamant the playing group wouldn’t change they way they handled the furore over losing a $15m sponsorship despite growing fallout.

Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart, pulled her support through Hancock Prospecting after pushback from players about wearing the logo of her mining company on their uniforms. It is believed questions were initially raised by Indigenous player Donnell Wallam, who reportedly didn’t feel comfortable wearing a uniform with the logo as a result of shocking comments made by Ms Rinehart’s father Lang Hancock in the 1980s.

Weston, who is also the president of the players’ association, said the players were united in their stance. “I don’t think any of us could have imagined what has transpired ... becoming such a big news story,” she said.

“I don’t know if I would change anything. I feel like we will move forward as the playing group in conjunction with Netball Australia and really just continue to instil the values we have as a playing group in the Diamonds that come after us as well.

“We are very united as a playing group and on the same page, and I think it’s been different narratives have been out there in the media. We know what has happened in our playing group and what we stand for.

“And I think, for us as the Diamonds, that’s what’s most important.”

Weston hoped that if anything, more open lines of communication between Netball Australia management and the players would be a big lesson from the saga.

“They always say Diamonds are made under pressure.

“And I think this has been really galvanising for our playing group as well as our coaching staff.”