Australia Netball World Cup 2019 squad – can the Diamonds retain the title? – The Sun
With the 2019 Netball World Cup starting very soon in Liverpool, the Australian Diamonds will be hoping to bag their 12th world title.
A dominant force on the world netball stage, they are known for their tough person-on-person challenges, speedy play and unbelievable shooting. Here’s a look at their squad…
Who is in the Australian Netball World Cup squad?
Caitlin Bassett (Captain) – GS
A 6ft 5in target in the circle, Caitlin Bassett is one of the most formidable shooters in the world.
Aged 31, she is currently playing for the Giants and has won 90 caps for her country.
Caitlin has masses of experience in big competitions and has won two previous World Cup gold medals.
A goal-scoring machine, she will be eager to get back on the world stage after fracturing her forearm during practice ahead of the Quad Series in January 2019.
Caitlin Thwaites – GS /GA
6ft 2in and 32 years old, Caitlin plays for the Melbourne Vixens.
She went down in history as the league's top scorer during the 2017 competition with a staggering 92% accuracy across the season.
Gretel Tippett – GA / GS / WA
6ft 3in 25-year-old Gretel has a unique style as she was formerly a basketball player so expect to see a few layups from her.
She plays for Queensland Firebirds in the Australian Superleague.
Liz Watson – (Vice-Captain) C /WA
Currently playing for the Melbourne Vixens, 25-year-old Liz has been named Vice Captain the for World Cup.
With a promising career ahead of her, she has won the Suncorp Super Netball Young Star Award as well as the most prestigious Australian netball award, the Liz Ellis Diamond.
Kelsey Browne – WA / C
27-year-old Kelsey plays for Collingwood Magpies in the Aussie league.
She started representing her country at under 17 level and in 2018 worked her way into the senior squad where she has won six caps.
Jamie-Lee Price – WD / C
The daughter of former Australian Rugby League international Steve Price, 23-year-old Jamie-Lee currently plays for the Giants.
Definitely one to watch this tournament – she has dominated the court in the domestic competition.
Steph Wood – GA /WA
27-year-old Steph plays for Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Australian Superleague.
She has earned 20 caps for her country so far and was part of the 2018 Commonwealth squad
Paige Hadley – C / WA / WD
A versatile player, 26-year-old Paige currently plays for the NSW Swifts.
She’s played on the international stage since she was 20 – she missed out on the Commonwealth Games due to an ankle injury.
Courtney Bruce – GK / GD
25 years old Courtney plays for the West Coast Fever is one of the country’s leading defenders.
At 6ft 2in, this will be her first World Cup and she’s another one to watch with her ability to read and intercept passes.
April Brandley – GK / GD / WD
6ft 1in and 29 years old, April plays for the Collingwood Magpies.
Known for her vertical leap she started playing for the Diamonds in 2013.
Jo Weston – GD / GK / WD
25 year old, Jo plays for the Melbourne Vixens.
She took part in the 2019 Quad Series and gives some of the best attackers in the game a difficult time.
Sarah Klau – GK / GD
The 24-year-old New South Wales Swifts defender makes her international debut during this world cup.
At 6ft 3in, Sarah plays for the NSW Swifts in the domestic league.
Lisa Alexander – Coach
Lisa took on the coaching role for the Diamonds in 2011.
A former player representing her state, she began her successful coaching career in 2002.
Her squad selection has been bold – she’s only included three members of the 2015 World Cup winning squad, and she’ll be looking to bring home the fourth consecutive title.
Where is Australia ranked in world netball?
Australia is ranked No 1 in the world netball rankings – and they are fiercely protective of their status.
They suffered a shock defeat to England for the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – an experience they won’t be eager to repeat. They came out fighting for the 2019 Quad Series which they won, with England runner-up.
The Diamonds are seeded No 1 for the World Cup and have their squad ready to do battle.
Australia is the odds on favourite to win the tournament – check out the full fixture list plus how to watch their matches live.
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