The Diamonds success is made up of talent from players all over Australia and Western Australia has always produced exceptional talent for the squad.
Such exceptional West Australian talent includes players such as Elsma Merillo OAM, who was just 16 years old when she was first selected for the Australian team. In 1969, she was named vice captain for Australia’s series against New Zealand and captained the side for two tests. She was later awarded the Sports Medal of Australia in 2000 and was inducted into the WA Hall of Champions.
In the more recent Diamonds era, you cannot look past former captain and WA pathway product Caitlin Bassett. Bassett, who played much of her domestic career with West Coast Fever from 2005-2016, represented her country 102 times as Diamond #150. She has two Netball World Cup victories, one Commonwealth Games gold medal and was the first shooter to win the Liz Ellis Diamond Award.
Current players include Courtney Bruce, a two-time recipient of the Liz Ellis Award, winner of the International Player of the Year Award, a gold and silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games and an important part of the victorious 2023 World Cup squad.
WA is also still proudly being represented in the Australian squad by Sunday Aryang, Sophie Garbin and Donell Wallam.
Two WA athletes hold significant importance to the Diamonds due to their service as both players and coaches.
Gaye Teede represented Australia for 13 years and captained the side to a World Cup title in 1971. She later coached Australia for five tests in the 1990s, with an 80 per cent win rate.
Jill McIntosh AM is a name many in netball would know, representing her country for eight years, including being named captain in 1982. McIntosh went on to coach Australia from 1995-2003, leading the team to World Championship titles in 1995 and 1999, and Commonwealth Games Gold Medals in 1998 and 2002.
Overall, 26 West Australian athletes have been selected for the Diamonds, a privilege that is never taken lightly. To play for the Diamonds is to play with the best, and to carry on the legacy of those before you.
Netball WA is immensely proud of the WA athletes who have done so.
The Origin Australian Diamonds will tkae on the New Zeland Silver Ferns at RAC Arena on Sunday, 27 October. Netball WA would like to thank the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for its support in bringing the Constellation Cup to Perth as part of our Centenary celebrations.
