Diamond Duo Fuhrmann and Bassett World Champs Bound

Published On: 30 May 2011

WAIS athletes Susan Fuhrmann and Caitlin Bassett have earned selection into the Australian Diamonds squad for July’s Netball World Championships in Singapore.

Three uncapped players have been included in the defending champions’ team, following an announcement at The Lodge in Canberra, where the team was introduced to the Minister for Sport Mark Arbib at a function hosted by Tim Mathieson, partner of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Queensland Firebirds’ Chelsea Pitman and Adelaide Thunderbirds’ Erin Bell and Sharni Layton are yet to make their international debuts for the Diamonds but were selected after standout performances in the 2011 ANZ Championship and at the four-day selection camp.

“I’m excited about the potential of this team – we have the ability to throw some different combinations on court depending on our opposition,” Plummer said.

Despite having three debutants, the Diamonds World Championship team still boasts a combined 320 Test caps.

NSW Swifts goal shooter, Catherine Cox has been handed the honour of vice captain for the Diamonds’ World Championship side, leading alongside recently named captain Natalie von Bertouch.

Cox is the most experienced member of the team with 84 Test caps to her name, equal sixth as most capped player in the Diamonds’ history.

“It’s a good mix of new and experienced athletes and they have the belief in what is possible,” Plummer said.

“We’ve got Corletto back in the mix, Cath Cox brings experience and leadership in her new role as vice captain and we’ve got some in form Firebirds players who have proved this year that they’ve got what it takes to match it with the best.”

Australia Diamonds Team:
Natalie von Bertouch (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Catherine Cox (NSW Swifts)
Caitlin Bassett (West Coast Fever)
Chelsea Pitman (Queensland Firebirds)
Erin Bell (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Julie Corletto (Melbourne Vixens)
Kimberlee Green (NSW Swifts)
Laura Geitz (Queensland Firebirds)
Mo’onia Gerrard (NSW Swifts)
Natalie Medhurst (Queensland Firebirds)
Sharni Layton (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Susan Fuhrmann (West Coast Fever)

– Netball Australia