Diamonds all set for golden campaign at Games
TWO familiar faces slipped seamlessly back into the Diamonds’ fold in practice as Australia’s netballers declared only Commonwealth Games gold will do.
Recalled pair Laura Geitz and Madi Robinson both looked sharp in a tune-up clash with the Queensland Firebirds on the Sunshine Coast.
The side also play defending Super Netball champions Sunshine Coast Lightning tomorrow before returning to the Games Village, where they have already spent one night.
Coach Lisa Alexander said the groundwork had been done and “as world No.1, current world champions, current Commonwealth Games champions” they had no excuses a week out from their Games’ defence.
“However that’s on paper and this team’s different and has its own internal pressure to make sure it performs absolutely at the very best it possibly can and we’re looking for improvement,” she said.
Starting spots remain up for grabs, with 2014 Games gold medallists Geitz and Robinson starting from the bench in yesterday’s comfortable 71-47 win. Former skipper Geitz was returning after having her first child, while Robinson was dropped in August and was a shock call-up after impressing in an 11th-hour training camp in January.
Only Kim Ravaillion, Jo Weston, Gabi Simpson and captain Caitlin Bassett appear certainties in Alexander’s best seven, with all 12 expected to be versatile during an unrelenting campaign.
Australia open against Northern Island next Thursday, followed by pool games against Barbados, South Africa, Fiji and Jamaica in seven days. Jamaica are coming off two wins against New Zealand, while South Africa have pushed the Diamonds this year. England and the Silver Ferns shape as the teams to beat in the opposing pool.