Fuhrman and Beveridge Selected in Aussie Squad

WAIS netball scholarship holders Susan Fuhrman and Kate Beveridge have been selected in an 18 strong national squad, which was announced this week.

Fuhrman is the sole representative from the West Coast Fever and at 21 years of age is indicative of the youthful approach being taken by national netball Coach Norma Plummer following the retirement of three elder statesmen this year, including Liz Ellis. The squad of 18 includes three debutants in Clare McMeniman, Kim Purcell and Beveridge.

Beveridge reveled in the new ANZ Championship, shining in attack for the Adelaide Thunderbirds as they made the finals in the inaugural competition. At 23, Beveridge is also set for a steep learning curve with a tour of New Zealand and the Holden Test Series on the radar.

Plummer paid tribute to the improvement shown by Beveridge in this year’s competition after including the towering goal shooter in the squad for the first time.

“Kate has absolutely grown this season and I am delighted to see that she has taken on the advice given to her. She knew she had to get stronger and she has done all of the training and it is all paying off for her,” Plummer said.

Speaking of the youthful set up of the selected squad, Plummer commented on the need to stay fresh, to keep Australia at the top of the rankings.

“We are very impressed that the youth is coming through and they are tapping on the door to get into the Australian team”

“It is crucial that we keep growing and give opportunities to our younger players now.”

The squad will be put through its paces with a series of training camps at the AIS in Canberra throughout August, with additional athletes likely to be invited to attend. Following those camps a final squad will be selected for the New World Netball Series in New Zealand in September, before New Zealand and England arrive in Australia for the Holden Test Series against Australia in October.

“What we will be looking for in selecting the teams to play Silver Ferns and England are combinations, strength across the court and how we get the ball down the throat of the shooters,” Plummer said.

“The ANZ Championship has been great and now as the Australian Team we look at how we can take the game to the next level.”

Holden Netball Test Series Match Schedule:

Australia vs. England
Saturday October 4 at 7:00pm
Newcastle Entertainment Centre, NEWCASTLE

Wednesday October 8 at 7:30pm
Distinctive Homes Dome ADELAIDE

Australia vs. New Zealand
Sunday October 26 at 2:00pm
Hisense Arena, MELBOURNE

Wednesday October 29 at 7:30pm
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, BRISBANE