Changes to Diamonds squad as four NSWIS players picked

Australian Diamonds Head Coach Lisa Alexander and National Selectors Anne Sargeant and Michelle Wilkins have named 12 players for the upcoming netball Constellation Cup, with only two changes from the Quad Series winning team.

The squad includes NSWIS and NSW Swifts stars Sharni Layton and Caitlin Thwaites, along with associate-NSWIS scholarship holders Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson also been selected.

Jo Weston and Gretel Tippett have been provided an opportunity to further their international experience, with recent debutants Kristiana Manu’a and Stephanie Wood rested. Manu’a, who plays for the Bay of Plenty in the ANZ Championship is also an associate-NSWIS scholarship holder.

“We were pleased with our team’s recent performance at the Netball Quad Series and wish to give them more court time together to continue to strengthen their connections,” said Alexander.

“Jo (Weston) and Gretel (Tippett) will provide different options for us. Both had strong ANZ Championship seasons and have impressed selectors with their training during our Quad Series Pre-Departure Camp. They will blend seamlessly into the team.

“After facing the Silver Ferns in the Quad Series, we know we will be challenged in the Constellation Cup. Nothing less than our best will be acceptable in order to retain the Cup. There’s no better sporting rivalry than Australia and New Zealand.”

Clare McMeniman will continue as acting captain, with NSWIS’s Layton and Caitlin Bassett to maintain their roles as acting vice-captains for the Series.

Australian Diamonds 2016 Constellation Cup Team
Name (state of origin/2016 ANZ Championship team)
Caitlin Bassett (Western Australia, West Coast Fever)
April Brandley (New South Wales, West Coast Fever)
Sharni Layton (Victoria, NSW Swifts)
Clare McMeniman (Queensland, Queensland Firebirds)
Natalie Medhurst (South Australia, West Coast Fever)
Kim Ravaillion (New South Wales, Queensland Firebirds)
Madi Robinson (Victoria, Melbourne Vixens)
Gabi Simpson (New South Wales, Queensland Firebirds)
Caitlin Thwaites (Victoria, NSW Swifts)
Gretel Tippett (Queensland, Queensland Firebirds)
Liz Watson (Victoria, Melbourne Vixens)
Jo Weston (Victoria, Melbourne Vixens)