Diamonds Advocate for Elite Netball's Comeback to Canberra
The Australian Diamonds netball team and their coach have publicly endorsed efforts to bring elite-level Super Netball matches back to the nation's capital, Canberra. This push aims to end a significant seven-year drought since the last top-tier game was hosted in the city.
Coaching and Player Support for Expanded Visibility
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich expressed strong optimism that the upcoming Super Netball 2.0 restructuring could facilitate Canberra's return to the elite netball calendar. Marinkovich emphasised the strategic value of rotating games across different locations to broaden the sport's reach and engagement.
Echoing her coach's sentiments, goal shooter Sophie Dwyer stressed the critical importance of making elite netball visible to as many young fans as possible. Dwyer articulated a clear vision for the sport to be accessible in every state, thereby inspiring the next generation of girls and boys to aspire to become professional netball players.
Current Challenges and Future Hopes
The immediate obstacle to hosting Super Netball in Canberra this season is the unavailability of a suitable venue. The AIS Arena has been repurposed as an ice hockey rink for the majority of the netball season, and Canberra currently lacks an alternative facility capable of meeting elite competition standards.
However, hope persists for the 2027 season. The Super Netball league is actively soliciting expressions of interest as part of its plan to expand into a ten-team competition. This expansion presents a tangible opportunity for Canberra to re-enter the fold. The last elite netball match held in the city was in 2019, featuring a clash between the Giants and the Queensland Firebirds.
Team Preparations and Commonwealth Games Focus
The Diamonds' advocacy follows a recent training camp held at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. The camp culminated in a practice match against the Sunshine Coast Lightning at Radford College. The squad has now departed for Adelaide to commence a three-Test series against Jamaica, with Sophie Dwyer named in the 12-player touring team.
For Dwyer, selection is just the first step. Her primary focus is securing a spot in the starting seven for the Diamonds ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this July. Reflecting on the Canberra camp, she noted it was her first experience with the team in the capital, as she was not part of the Giants squad during their previous visits.
Coach Marinkovich highlighted the immense value of the uninterrupted training block in Canberra, describing it as incredible preparation for the gruelling schedule of the Commonwealth Games. She reaffirmed the team's unwavering objective for the tournament, stating unequivocally that any time the national uniform is worn, the goal is to win the gold medal.
The collective call from the Diamonds underscores a broader mission to grow the sport nationally. By championing the return of elite games to Canberra, they aim to strengthen netball's foundation, ensure its visibility across all communities, and foster the dreams of future champions throughout Australia.
