Diamond emerges as star in own right
KELSEY Browne has wasted no time forging her own reputation and shaking the “Madi Robinson’s sister” tag which inevitably follows her.
It may not be long before Robinson, one of the greats of Australian netball, will be the one left to deal with those comparisons after Browne’s stellar start to her international career.
The 26- year- old was outstanding in the Diamonds’ hard fought 56- 47 Constellation Cup win over the Silver Ferns in Townsville’s first- ever Test on Wednesday night, racking up 24 assists.
Browne may wear the same wing attack bib which Robinson starred in for years before retiring from the international scene in July. After just five Tests, it’s undeniable she’s now a star in her own right.
“It’s something I honestly didn’t expect. I think this is my fifth Test. It’s really exciting to be out there and stringing four quarters together in a win,” Browne said. “The girls from the get go have made me feel very comfortable. From the moment I walked in, I felt like I belonged.
“You’ve got to get out there and play your own game. I’m really trying to bring my style to the Diamonds and at the moment it looks like it’s working.”
Browne was named player of the match after a performance where her quick passing and superb combination with goal shooter Caitlin Bassett came to the fore. “That was her first start against the Silver Ferns; I thought she did really well,” Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said.
“She was very mature around what she did, very calm. She fed Caitlin really well, put that high ball in at just the right moments and really anchored our attack.”
Alexander also reserved praise for Liz Watson, who limited the influence of Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman in her record- breaking 146th Test for New Zealand.
Watson played wing attack in Australia’s win in the opening Constellation Cup Test in Brisbane, before moving to centre on Wednesday night.
The final two Tests of the series will take place in New Zealand, beginning at Hamilton on Sunday.
“Watson did a mighty job on Lang- man in her very special game,” Alexander said.
“I thought it was a great contest between two very good athletes.”
Jamie- Lee Price, the daughter of former NRL star Steve, will come into the Diamonds squad for the Tests in New Zealand in place of Kate Moloney.
The Diamonds have had the luxury of being able to switch around their line- up to make New Zealand’s challenge even tougher.
“We have really strong depth in our team, you could interchange anybody and it’s seamless,” Browne said.
“We’ve got Jamie- Lee coming in which will be another combination again. It’s something for the Silver Ferns to think about, and something for us to work on.”