Three West Coast Fever players have been selected in the Origin Australian Diamonds squad, following the Club’s stunning season.
West Coast Fever Captain, Courtney Bruce maintains her place in the Diamonds team after debuting in 2017 and making 36 appearances in the yellow and green. Mid-courter Verity Charles joins the Diamonds squad for the first time, while Jess Anstiss makes a return to the Australian squad.
“We’re playing well as a team, but I didn’t know if my performance was up there or not. It’s huge, to get recognised in the squad is great, but now I want to get into this team,” Charles said.
“It would be a dream come true for me, but also my family, they’ve been on this ride with me, they’ve wanted this as much as me.”
“I’m very excited, I was a bit shocked and confused when I received the phone call from Stacey (Marinkovich), but very excited to be back in the squad,” Anstiss said.
Anstiss credits her success on going back to basics.
“I’ve just gone in not overthinking my game and just playing for the fun of it and I think that’s definitely helped, but also being away in this hub, netball is everything, there are not many distractions out there.”
Bruce said the selection of her Fever teammates is a testament to how well the team has played together this season.
“It’s great to have a couple more Fever teammates in the squad, we’ve all worked so hard this season and it’s great to see the work has paid off. I’m so happy for them both,” Bruce said.
West Coast Fever Coach Stacey Marinkovich was appointed the Head Coach of the Diamonds last month and went straight to work on selecting the best team who will now play in two Constellation Cups next year.
“Selection for the Diamonds is never an easy task when you have so many players with incredible skills sets and abilities,” Marinkovich said.
“The challenge now is to transfer those skills and abilities within combinations and on the international stage. My job is to implement a game plan that really accentuates the players skills sets and brings the players together. The Diamonds have an incredible legacy, and I am looking forward to further evolving our culture to ensure sustained success.”
Bruce said she is excited for what lies ahead with this Diamonds squad.
“I’m excited for a new era in the Diamonds environment, I’ve been around for a while now, but really excited to have Jess and Vezzy and then also to have Stacey there to see what she brings to the environment,” Bruce said.
With the 2020 Constellation Cup postponed until early 2021, the squad will not play any matches this year and the team for the Constellation Cup tour will be announced as the details of the series are confirmed.
Netball Australia is currently working with the Queensland Government with the aim of hosting a camp for the new squad shortly after the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final which will be held in Brisbane on Sunday 18 October. Details around the camp will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
“It was really important to select a Diamonds squad this year in preparation for what could be a busy international season next year. I am looking forward to the opportunity where all players can come together to be able to build those relationships, align the playing group and begin our journey together,” Marinkovich said.
West Coast Fever Managing Director, Simon Taylor congratulated Bruce, Anstiss and Charles on making the team.
“This is wonderful news, not only for the players, but our Club and Netball WA. We have always known we have some of the best players in the country and for these players to be recognised for their hard work and dedication to the game, I’m so happy for them,” Taylor said.
West Australian products Caitlin Bassett (Giants) and Sophie Garbin (NSW Swifts) have also been included in the 19-player squad; this is Garbin’s first selection.
You can watch Fever take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Saturday night at RAC Arena where the Club will attempt to set the record for Perth’s largest watch party.
