Natalie von Bertouch appointed captain of the Australian Diamonds
Natalie von Bertouch has been appointed captain of the Australian Diamonds ahead of the 2011 World Netball Championships, following the announcement that Sharelle McMahon will miss the tournament through injury.
A deputy to McMahon since 2008, von Bertouch will lead the green and gold from the mid-court in Australia’s world championship title defence in Singapore.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to captain the Australian Diamonds,” von Bertouch said.
“Unfortunately it’s a little bit tainted with the fact that it meant that we’ve lost Sharelle through injury but I’m extremely excited, it would have been nicer if it came in a different way.”
The 28-year-old is familiar with the role on both a domestic and international level, having captained the Diamonds previously in McMahon’s absence through injury and co-captained the Adelaide Thunderbirds to the 2010 ANZ Championship title.
“I feel very confident of being able to step up to the role,” she said.
“Unfortunately for Sharelle, she’s suffered some injuries over the last few years which has given me the chance to stand up in that role.
“It’s something I’m going to have to work at and continue to improve in, but it’s a huge honour and I’m really thrilled to be given the opportunity to build on what I’ve been able to do in that role in the past.”
A natural leader, von Bertouch has learnt from some of the country’s best captains but says she will have her own style in the role.
“Sharelle has helped me a lot, I think she’s a fantastic leader, but I’m not going to go into the role and be exactly like Sharelle because you have to put your own stamp on how you captain the side,” von Bertouch said.
“I’ve learnt heaps from her and also Liz Ellis, I’ve learnt a lot from the two of them and over the years I’ve made sure that I could develop my skills in that leadership role.”
“I’m really looking forward to taking that step up and making sure I can be the best captain I can for the Australian team.”
Diamonds head coach Norma Plummer said that McMahon’s experience will be missed at the World Championships but von Bertouch is more capable of as captain.
“It’s unfortunate due to the circumstances with Sharelle but we’ve been grooming Natalie to be able to take the next step and I think she’s proven herself when Sharelle hasn’t been there,” Plummer said.
“She has the respect in the sport, all the opposition, her team mates, all my coaches and staff, everybody respects Natalie for what she brings to the team.”
McMahon, who underwent surgery last week to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon that she suffered in Round 8 of the ANZ Championship, believes her replacement will make a great leader.
“I’m obviously disappointed that I won’t be there to lead the Diamonds in Singapore but the captaincy is in good hands and I think Natalie will do a great job,” McMahon said.
Player Profile:
Natalie von Bertouch Date of Birth: 16/12/1982 Positions: C, WA, WD Test Debut: 20/4/2004 (Australia 53 defeated New Zealand 51) Test Caps: 61 World Championships: 2007 Commonwealth Games: 2006 and 2010 ANZ Championship Team: Adelaide Thunderbirds
