Pressure of finals to create Diamonds

GRACE under pressure in the Super Netball finals is the key to players snaring the last positions up for grabs in the Diamonds squad.

Diamonds selectors are still hunting for a wing attack and goal defence to add into the Australian squad, with potential for another shooter to also force their way into the side.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander was in Queensland last weekend for the minor semifinal between Lightning and the Firebirds and will be in Sydney on Sunday for the do- ordie preliminary final between the Giants and Lightning.

The Giants have only midcourter Jamie Lee Price in the current Diamonds squad, while Lightning boast captain Caitlin Bassett and Steph Wood.

West Coast Fever, who have already secured their spot in the Grand Final, have Courtney Bruce and Jess Anstiss already in the squad.

All matches since the selection of a Diamonds squad of 17 last month have been monitored by selectors, with players still in the finals series having the additional opportunity to impress.

Alexander can add up to five players to the squad, but it is more likely to be three.

“We won’t necessarily fill all positions,” said Alexander, who is in charge of the Diamonds ahead of next year’s World Cup in the UK.

“At this stage maybe three positions will be added, which gives us a little wriggle room.”

Alexander said two teams of 12 will be chosen for the upcoming Quad series between Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa and the annual Constellation Cup between the Diamonds and the Silver Ferns.