The Australians achieved a clean sweep throughout the competition, dominating in every match. It was their great rivals New Zealand who they found themselves against in the gold medal match and who they eventually defeated to secure a 62–48 victory.
Grit and composure can be used to describe Australia’s final performance. After a tense first half, an overall impressive third quarter from the Aussies broke the match open.
Fever shooter Olivia Wilkinson was a star in the goal circle, paired with Melbourne Vixens Lily Graham, they formed a fierce moving circle.
WA pathway athletes Jasmah Haywood and Scarlet Jauncey were a consistent presence throughout the competition.
Both athletes were particularly influential during the fourth quarter of the semi-final against South Africa, helping cement the country’s place in the gold medal match.
Jauncey’s on the body defensive style made her opponent work overtime as they began to become tired in the goal circle.
Haywood used her usual ability to break free from her defender and shoot for volume to the side’s advantage.
Australia now holds the record for the most titles at the competition with five championships, surpassing New Zealand’s four.
Tournament results:
Day 1: Australia vs Northern Ireland 79 – 15
Day 2: Australia vs Singapore 92 – 25
Day 3: Australia vs Scotland 69 – 42
Day 4: Australia vs Samoa 65 – 36
Day 6: Australia v Jamaica 85-33
Day 7: Australia vs South Africa 67 – 36
Day 9: Australia vs New Zealand 63-48
You can rewatch all the action on NetballPass.
