Garbin shines in Cup final
Sophie Garbin has elevated herself from fringe Diamond to an irreplaceable spearhead in the Australian netball team after another outstanding performance in a benchmark final showed just how crucial she has become to the team’s push into a new era.
Garbin won a close battle with Donnell Wallam for the final position in Australia’s World Cup squad less than 12 months ago but her showing in the World Cup final and player of the match effort in the Netball Nations Cup decider in England on Monday morning have shown just how crucial she has become to the Diamonds’ continued success.
While she was injected into the World Cup final in South Africa last year, Garbin started the Netball Nations Cup decider against England’s Roses on Monday and turned in a dominant performance in combination with Sophie Dwyer.
The 26-year-old finished with 31 goals from 32 attempts in three quarters to notch MVP honours in Australia’s 69-49 victory in Leeds.
Asked if she felt the pressure of wearing the famous goal shooter’s bib for Australia, Garbin conceded there was expectation but was buoyed by the support of her team.
“Obviously all shooters probably feel the pressure at times but I think just the support from the team (is a boost),” she said.
“I’m sure to miss one right under the post like us shooters always do but I think there’s great confidence from the whole team, which helps.”
Expect to see more from Garbin this Super Netball season too now that she will slot back into a goal shooter’s role at new club, the Melbourne Vixens.