‘Family’ bonds the key to gold aims
“SISTERS!” It is more than just a word the Australian netball team yells in unison when they break from a huddle.
Upholding the gold standard of the Diamonds sisterhood is an ever-present motivation for the Australian side at the Gold Coast Games. The world champions have drawn a line in the sand – gold or bust.
The Diamonds face Northern Ireland in their opening pool match tonight as they begin their quest to join Australia’s gold-medal winning sides from the 1998, 2002 and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“We obviously set the bar really high,’’ Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett said.
“The legacy of what Diamonds teams have done in the past is very strong in our mind. It’s massive. Gold is what we’re aiming for and we won’t be happy with anything less.’’
Since their victory in the 2015 World Cup in Sydney, the Diamonds have embraced a busy international schedule including numerous home and away Quad Series events against New Zealand, South Africa and England as well as annual Constellation Cup series against the Silver Ferns.
Bassett said it would almost be a relief to step on court and compete for gold.