WAIS Netballers Earn National Call-up

A squad of 23 players heads into selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport on Friday as a first step in the Australian Diamonds’ quest to defend their World Championship title in Singapore in July.

Three WAIS scholarship holders earned call-ups, with Commonwealth Games representative Susan Fuhrmann (West Coast Fever) joined by the sharp shooting pair of Caitlin Bassett (West Coast Fever) and Kate Beveridge (Melbourne Vixens).

Diamonds coach Norma Plummer and national selectors Carol Sykes and Anne Sargeant will name a team of 12 players to contest the World Championships at the conclusion of the four-day camp on Monday.

“I would like to congratulate all the players,” Plummer said.

“We did thorough research throughout the (ANZ Championship) season and what we’ve selected is the best of the best within the competition.”

ANZ Championship premiers, Queensland Firebirds, have been rewarded for an undefeated season with six players selected in the initial squad, the most of any Australian trans-Tasman team, followed by the NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens (5), Adelaide Thunderbirds (4), West Coast Fever (2) and Central Pulse (1).

“If you win the grand final, you’ve been doing something right all season. The Firebirds deserve it, and that’s why the selections have gone that way.”

The squad consists of a blend of experience and youth, with the 23 players combining for a total of 480 Test caps. Catherine Cox is the most experienced with 84 while seven players are yet to make their Diamonds debut.

Plummer said that all 23 players will have the opportunity to be selected if they impress at this weekend’s selection camp”

“This is open for anyone to put out a performance.

“It will be a fair but thorough selection, and every player will need to bring their best game.”

The squad of 23 will be joined by three training partners for the selection camp.

– Netball Australia