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Big Swifts & GIANTS contingents in Diamonds squad

08 AUG 2021

Netball Australia has named a 21-strong Origin Australian Diamonds squad for 2021/22, as international netball returns to Australia for the first time in two years.

After breakout seasons in the Suncorp Super Netball League, 20-year-old West Coast Fever defender Sunday Aryang and 24-year-old GIANTS Netball defensive mid-courter Amy Parmenter have been named in the squad for the first time.

Collingwood Magpies midcourter Ash Brazill and NSW Swifts defender Maddy Turner have had impressive seasons and make their return to the Diamonds squad.

GIANTS Netball defender April Brandley, who represented the Diamonds at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, did not make herself available for selection this year as she focuses on her young family.

The Origin Australian Diamonds will take on rivals the New Zealand Silver Ferns in the 12th Constellation Cup this October.

Netball Australia is exploring further test match opportunities and will provide an update when details are confirmed.

The squad was selected by a panel made up of Origin Australian Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich and national selectors Anne Sargeant OAM and Michelle Wilkins.

“Selecting a squad is never easy, especially when you look at the quality of performances that have consistently been put out during the Suncorp Super Netball season,” Marinkovich said.

“I am delighted with the versatility that we have selected and the skillset that these players possess. There is an absolute belief that the players will successfully transfer their elite performances to the Diamonds game plan and the international stage.

“We are committed to building on what we started as a group late last year and I am looking forward to integrating the new squad members and enhancing and evolving the program with their contribution.

“There is a huge amount of energy coming from the players about what lays ahead and that is extremely motivating, especially when they have faced many obstacles through the Suncorp Super Netball season.”

In developing a depth of talent within Netball Australia’s pathway, the 2021/22 Australian Development squad has been announced. The squad was selected by the National Selection Panel and included input from Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald.

GIANTS Netball youngster Sophie Dwyer, who has been named in the Australian Development squad, has been invited to attend the Origin Australian Diamonds training camp in September.