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A squad with swagger and clarity of purpose.
That’s how netball pundit Madi Browne describes the 12-woman Australian squad this week named for the upcoming Constellation Cup against New Zealand.
As reigning World and Commonwealth champions, Browne said Stacey Marinkovich’s side has “its swagger back and knows how to win”.
“Since losing those landmark tournaments, the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and the World Cup in 2019, this group, which still has the same core, has really evolved and developed,” Browne said.
“They’ve definitely got that belief that it doesn’t matter who’s on the list, you come in, you perform. We’re the Diamonds, we’re back.”
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Browne described the two changes to the team – forced by the exits of shooter Steph Wood and midcourter Ash Brazill – as solid.
“It says they mean business, they want to win. Regardless of the fact that New Zealand had its worst World Cup finish in history in Cape Town … we respect them and we don’t just hand out Test caps.
“That’s a huge thing for past players. Diamonds earn the right. I think the current group is feeling that too; you’ve got to earn the right to get out there and if you do, then you make the most of it,” Browne, who played 61 internationals, said.
THE WINNERS
Sophie Dwyer
With just four Test caps, Sophie Dwyer is the least experienced player selected by Marinkovich. But the 21-year-old shooter’s elevation – as a replacement for Steph Wood and understudy to Kiera Austin – was not a shock to Browne.
“A lot of people are surprised that Dwyer got the nod over Donnell Wallam but I think it’s about looking for that movement. While Dwyer isn’t even close to a Wood at the moment … I think that’s the thought process,” she said.
“Cara Koenen and Sophie Garbin have shown they can play that holding shooting role, so if you lock them in, you’re really looking for that moving shooter for out in front at goal attack.”
Kate Moloney
For midcourter Kate Moloney – a reserve at the World Cup – a Constellation Cup call-up is not only “just reward”, but a chance to cement her place in the best midcourt in the world, according to Browne.
“She is one of the biggest winners for sure. It’s great that she’s been given that reward after playing that really hard role, along with Donnell Wallam and Ruby Bakewell-Doran in Cape Town.”
Browne tipped Moloney to potentially step into a formal leadership role in the next series, against South Africa, which starts October 25, just a few days after the final Constellation Cup Test.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see captain Liz Watson and even potentially Paige Hadley rotated and rested. That will let Kate and Jamie-Lee Price take charge in that midcourt.”
THE LOSERS
Donnell Wallam
The big talking point out of the squad selection for the World Cup was Donnell Wallam versus Sophie Garbin in the goal circle – with most fans and pundits having a firm view either way.
Despite a less-than-stellar Super Netball season with the now-defunct Magpies, it was Garbin who made the 12, while 29-year-old Wallam went to Cape Town as a reserve. Garbin repaid the faith – with interest – with her minutes in Cape Town.
Browne said Garbin’s performance on the biggest of stages showed her worth and put her ahead of the late-blooming First Nations star.
“It would be great to see Donnell get a little opportunity, and I think she will against South Africa, but the Constellation Cup, against the Kiwis … that’s the one you really want to play.”
Ruby Bakewell-Doran
With Marinkovich sticking with her World Cup-winning defensive line of Courtney Bruce, Jo Weston, Sarah Klau and Sunday Aryang, there was no room for Ruby Bakewell-Doran.
“Just like Donnell, it’s tough for Ruby to miss out after being immersed in that environment in Cape Town, but not reaping the rewards, the success, like the main 12 did,” Browne said.
But at 23, Bakewell-Doran has ample time and could well peak for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, and the Commonwealth Games, slated for 2026, but currently without a host.
“I would expect her to get a chance against the Proteas too. Without diminishing that series, the rivalry, history and passion around the Constellation Cup mean it stands a little higher though.”
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