National selectors Norma Plummer, Carole Sykes and Sue Kenny based selection of the squad of 18 on performances in the ANZ Championship and were impressed with the depth of talent across the competition.
With the experienced Liz Ellis, Laura von Bertouch and Selina Gilsenan retiring at the end of 2007 and veteran Natasha Chokljat unavailable for international selection, Plummer is now in the process of building the base of the team to represent Australia.
“We are very impressed that the youth is coming through and they are tapping on the door to get into the Australian team” Plummer said.
“It is crucial that we keep growing and give opportunities to our younger players now.”
Towering goal shooter, Kate Beveridge has been rewarded for her season with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, while Clare McMeniman and Kimberley Purcell also have been included in the squad for the first time following stellar performances throughout 2008.
“Kate has absolutely grown this season and I am delighted to see that she has taken on the advice given to her. She knew she had to get stronger and she has done all of the training and it is all paying off for her,” Plummer said.
“Clare is a player who has grasped her opportunities and her season with Firebirds at wing defence has been great. She is still learning the position, but she is a very tight one-on-one defender and that is what has got her into the squad.
“While Kimberley has just grown in the Swifts backline in 2008 and taken a real leadership role and deserves her selection.”
The squad will participate in a number of camps at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) throughout August where additional players may also be ‘invited’ to join the squad in these camps.
A final team will be selected for the New World Netball Series in New Zealand in September and the Holden Test Series in Australia in October against the world number two and three ranked teams New Zealand and England.
“What we will be looking for in selecting the teams to play Silver Ferns and England are combinations, strength across the court and how we get the ball down the throat of the shooters,” Plummer said.
“The ANZ Championship has been great and now as the Australian Team we look at how we can take the game to the next level.”
The Australian Netball Squad 2008/2009
| Sharelle | McMahon | VIC | ||||
| Natalie | von Bertouch | SA | ||||
| Kate | Beveridge | WA | ||||
| Rebecca | Bulley | VIC | ||||
| Bianca | Chatfield | VIC | ||||
| Catherine | Cox | NSW | ||||
| Susan | Fuhrmann | WA | ||||
| Laura | Geitz | QLD | ||||
| Mo'onia | Gerrard | NSW | ||||
| Kimberlee | Green | NSW | ||||
| Renae | Hallinan | VIC | ||||
| Clare | McMeniman | QLD | ||||
| Natalie | Medhurst | SA | ||||
| Lauren | Nourse | QLD | ||||
| Susan | Pratley | NSW | ||||
| Julie | Prendergast | VIC | ||||
| Kimberley | Purcell | NSW | ||||
| Caitlin | Thwaites | VIC | ||||
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Coach Norma Plummer
Assistant Coach Sue Kenny
Assistant Coach Roselee Jencke
Manager Margaret Molina
Doctor Kathryn Gaffney
Physiotherapist Sean Mungovan
Massage Therapist Matthew Durston
Holden Netball Test Series Match Schedule
Australia vs. England
Saturday October 4 at 7:00pm
Newcastle Entertainment Centre, NEWCASTLE
Wednesday October 8 at 7:30pm
Distinctive Homes Dome ADELAIDE
Australia vs. New Zealand
Sunday October 26 at 2:00pm
Hisense Arena, MELBOURNE
Wednesday October 29 at 7:30pm
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, BRISBANE
