Goal-shooter Lucy Austin is a shock selection in the Australian netball squad to face South Africa, winning a place after initially being included as an “invitee” to their training camp.
A dual premiership player for the Adelaide Thunderbirds before signing to play with the Giants in 2026, Austin is one of four potential debutantes named for the three-Test series, which begins in Bendigo on Saturday, October 4.
A second, stronger 15-player squad has been named for the four-Test Constellation Cup against New Zealand, which follows the matches against the Proteas.
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Austin’s call-up comes despite the 23-year-old not featuring in Super Netball since April, dropped to the reserves competition after minimal game time in two of Adelaide’s first three matches.
As well as Austin, Lightning defender Ashleigh Ervin, and mid-court players Hannah Mundy (Vixens) and Alice Teague-Neeld (Fever) could also make their first appearances in the green and gold.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich is looking to build depth with the Commonwealth Games and World Cup in the next two years.
“I am really excited about what this group can produce across the next seven Test matches,” Marinkovich said in a statement.
“Our athletes have come into this year’s Diamonds’ environment with conviction and purpose. There is a real spark about the way they’re approaching every session.”
Sunday Aryang, Sophie Dwyer and Amy Parmenter are the changes, substituting Jo Weston, Teague-Neeld and Austin as Australia contends for the trans-Tasman silverware.
Vice-captain Paige Hadley will not participate in the upcoming series after announcing her pregnancy in August.
As well as Bendigo, the Diamonds will play the South Africans in Wollongong (October 8) and Adelaide (October 12).
The first matches of the Constellation Cup will be played at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena (October 17) and Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena (October 22), before two games in New Zealand.
The Silver Ferns claimed the 2024 title, winning three games to one.
“New talent has shown they are ready to take the court and earn their Diamonds dress, however, match line-ups will always be decided by performance,” Marinkovich said.
“There’s a real fire in this group, and the squad’s mentality to challenge and support each other is the strongest it’s ever been.”
Mundy is one of 12 players to remain in the Diamonds team for the Constellation Cup, which mirrors a relatively unchanged line-up from the 2024 squad.
Sunday Aryang, Sophie Dwyer and Amy Parmenter are the changes, substituting Jo Weston, Teague-Neeld and Austin as Australia contends for the trans-Tasman silverware.
Vice-captain Paige Hadley will not participate in the upcoming series after announcing her pregnancy in August.
As well as Bendigo, the Diamonds will play the South Africans in Wollongong (October 8) and Adelaide (October 12).
The first matches of the Constellation Cup will be played at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena (October 17) and the Sydney SuperDome (October 22), before two games in New Zealand.
The Silver Ferns claimed the 2024 title, winning three games to one.
Diamonds squad vs South Africa
Kiera Austin, Lucy Austin, Courtney Bruce, Ashleigh Ervin, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Hannah Mundy, Jamie-Lee Price, Alice Teague-Neeld, Liz Watson, Joanna Weston.
Diamonds squad vs New Zealand
Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Ashleigh Ervin, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Hannah Mundy, Amy Parmenter, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson.
AAP