The logic behind this discussion is there have been a few players over the course of the last two weeks who I think have either really stood up or have wilted a bit under the pressure and as a result there are some players I would now have in the Diamonds that maybe I wouldn’t have had previously.
My two big ones are Koenen and Turner. Before the finals I thought Koenen would maybe have deserved a run if CBass was rested but after how she’s stood up to the pressure and performed so consistently I would have her in the 12 regardless. Turner played two really strong games the last two weeks and I think her ability to make Philip and Wood play two of their worst games of the season is simply the reason the Swifts were able to win the two matches so comfortably and lift Klau’s game. I would pick her before Bruce especially given there are still questions about her fitness after the elbow injury.
Philip and Moloney are two who really pushed themselves out of the Diamonds in my opinion especially Moloney. I think the Brazill at C experiment also got worked out a bit in the last game, although I’d still have her there as for me the Diamonds midcourt is always too attack heavy and Hadley/Watson have surely locked down their starting bibs. Scherian has been great though and I wouldn’t mind seeing her in the squad.
On a different note I’d really like to see Akle get involved with the Diamonds coaching program ASAP, the same with Keelan. The structures and processes they have built especially in Attack are excellent and with players like Watson added into the mix I think they could make the Diamonds dominant again.
