The Australian Diamonds have announced a 12-strong team that will chase back-to-back gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Captain Liz Watson will once again lead the side, bringing her trademark composure, creativity and elite midcourt leadership to a team built for high performance tournament play.
Defenders Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce have also been selected for their third Commonwealth Games campaigns, adding invaluable experience and stability to the Diamonds’ defensive end.
Defender Sarah Klau, shooter Cara Koenen, midcourter Kate Moloney and attacker Kiera Austin have also been named in the team, all of whom were part of the gold medal-winning Australian team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The squad features five debutants in Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus and Jamie-Lee Price, reflecting the continued evolution of the Australian Diamonds performance program and the strength of Netball Australia's pathways.
Head coach Stacey Marinkovich said the selection reflects both current form and long-term development, with the group chosen to meet the demands of a fast, physical and highly competitive international tournament.
“The Commonwealth Games is one of the pinnacle events for our sport. The team brings together proven experience and exciting new talent including five Commonwealth Games debutants,” Marinkovich said.
“The Australian Netball Team has an incredible history competing at the Commonwealth Games, and this team is ready to contribute to that legacy.
“We are proud of the depth in Australian netball and confident this group is ready to compete at the highest level.”
Watson said she was honoured to once again lead the team at a major international campaign.
“This is an incredibly exciting group with a great mix of youth and experience,” Watson said.
“We know what it takes to perform on the world stage, and we’re committed to doing the work required to give ourselves every chance in Glasgow.
“There’s a lot of excitement around this group, but also a real determination to defend the gold medal we won in Birmingham. We know the challenge ahead and we’re ready to embrace it together.”
Earning selection for her first Commonwealth Games, debutant Horjus said it was a moment of immense pride.
“To be selected for my first Commonwealth Games is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Horjus said.
“It’s one of the biggest stages in sport, and the chance to represent Australia in Glasgow is really special. I’m excited for everything that comes with the Games experience and ready to make the most of the opportunity.”
Australian Team Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY said the selection of the Diamonds for Glasgow 2026 is a proud moment for the Australian Team.
“The Diamonds have built a remarkable Commonwealth Games legacy, and this team embodies the excellence, resilience and pride that have defined the green and gold for generations,” Thomas said.
“This group has earned the opportunity to represent Australia on one of their sport’s biggest stages, and I know they will do so with great pride as they look to defend their Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow.”
Australia leads the all-time medal tally for Netball at the Commonwealth Games having won four gold medals, including most recently at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, securing Australia’s 1000th Commonwealth Games gold medal in the process.
The 12 teams in Glasgow are divided into two groups of six and each team plays every other team in their pool in the group phase. The top two teams in each pool advance to
the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners play off for gold, while the two losers play for bronze.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August. Netball events will take place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), at the Hydro from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 2 August.
NETBALL AUSTRALIA
