How will selectors make some of the toughest decisions in Diamonds selection history?
This week’s backseat coaching deep dive from former Aussie Kelpies captain Heath Brown focuses on the Diamonds selection for the upcoming international season.
With some established Diamonds in red hot form, others are being challenged by fringe players who have now bridged the gap between them at the world’s best.
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The Australian team selection policy allows for track record in the green and gold to trump current form, but are we in need of new blood as our aging talent competes with new global forces?
If you had to pick a touring 12, who would be in it?
SHOOTERS
Sophie Garbin (29) is the best technical shooter in the world right now and is the best to watch under the post. But the second shooter rotation is where noone has put up their hand, which is why I would be calling back Gretel Bueta (32). She’s been running around a Malaysian court engaging in competition that probably isn’t quite befitting of one of our greatest ever Diamonds, but she’s in ripping shape, has a flawless track record and can play both positions equally well. Had someone else stepped up to claim the second bib this year, she wouldn’t get a look in, but unfortunately noone has. The next in after those two? I would go with Cara Koenen (30).
GOAL ATTACKS
Kiera Austin (28) is the best attacking goaler in the world right now, particularly alongside her Vixens partner in Garbin. But who do you give the second position to, knowing that, at times,Austin can go from matchwinner to error-ridden, meaning you likely to need an impact GA to play critical game minutes often? It probably has to be the steadiness of Georgie Horjus (23), who can then also swing out to WA if needed. The next in would be Sophie Dwyer (24), who would probably be in but the Giants’ form would be wearing the minds of selectors.
MIDCOURT
Kate Moloney (33) and JLP (30) are the sure bets – both in ripping form. I would let an out of form Liz Watson (32) in on track record, but noting she has now been overtaken by several middies and is likely to have to call it a day soon in the green and gold before that decision is made for her. She’s not out of form, but her recent top form is now being overtaken by the chasing pack – a sign that the “when to retire” question has to be asked. And I would then be blooding her replacement, Hannah Mundy (24), who is the best linebreaking attacker in the global game. The next in would be Paige Hadley (33) or Amy Sligar (24). Hadley may not be a bolter so close to maternity leave, and Sligar is the future but again a victim of the Giants’ poor form.
DEFENCE
This is where noone is putting up clear hands, other than Jo Weston (32). Courtney Bruce (32) has struggled for form, along with Sarah Klau (31) off the back of an injury. Meanwhile Jessie Grenvold (23) has bolted and is doing big jobs on international shooters and showing she has something different to offer. But she’s untested in the Diamonds environment and probably needs to make a squad before a call-up. I would put Rudi Ellis (28) in, who has proven she can beat the international shooters and is a capped Diamond. I’d pick Klau and Bruce as multi-position players, purely based on track record. Where’s the GD cover you say? All four of those players are multi positional – we’ve seen Weston, Klau and Bruce in both positions and Ellis was an underage sprinter who I would love to see on the run! Next in would be Kim Brown (28) or Matilda Garrett (27) for me – the only other pure GDs who can tag a playmaking GA based on current form.
AGE ANALYSIS
I’ve mentioned the ages above as that has to be on the minds of selectors. If we use the age of 30 as when you unofficially get the ‘veteran’ tag, our team average for the names above is 29.5. Take out the three young outliers and it’s 31. We are a veteran side. History tells us that to win major titles you need experienced spines, but is the list getting too experienced and at what point do you bring in youth? I suspect we will have mass international retirements from the 30+ crew post-World Cup next year, so when will Stacy roll the dice and blood the next crop while still taking home the trophies we’ve come to expect from this mighty team?
INTERNATIONAL AUSSIES
I heard someone ask the other day – if you could wish for one non-Aussie playing in Australia as an international to naturalize to us, who would it be.
My votes?
Never going to happen but Kelly Jackson under Aussie coaching would make her a Geitz. I’d love to see this, but with a Kiwi hubby and Silver Fern blood, I’m backing this is a hard no.
My next in would be Latanya Wilson. She’s the best GD in the world and can play all three back positions. And she’s a vibe.
My last passport would go to Elmere Van Der Berg. Get the girl an Aussie partner now, Adelaide! She’s a tough body and mind and a shot-taker from anywhere.
Over to you! Who gets your nod?
