NETBALL SCOOP: 10 things we learned from the Australian leg of the 2023 Constellation Cup series.

NETBALL SCOOP: 10 things we learned from the Australian leg of the 2023 Constellation Cup series.

By |2023-10-17T18:45:59+10:00October 17th, 2023|Categories: AUS, Constellation Cup, NZ|Tags: , , |0 Comments

 

1. Is Courtney Bruce on track for her second Liz Ellis Diamond? The goal keeper has had a formidable domestic and international season, and was named as the best defender at the recent Netball World Cup. Picking off an MVP in the first Constellation Cup match, she was also among Australia’s best in the 2nd Bruce took out Netball Australia’s main award in 2021, but will face fierce competition from a few other players, notably Liz Watson who was the recipient in 2022 and 2018.

 

Courtney Bruce has impressed across 2023. Image – Aliesha Vicars

 

2. Grace Nweke is back! While she was on limited minutes in the second test match, after injuring her patellar tendon during the Netball World Cup, Nweke’s influence on the game was profound. In the two quarters she played, New Zealand were on level terms with the Diamonds, who had limited answers to accurately placed high balls into the towering shooter. At just 21, Nweke could be around for another three to four cycles, a scary prospect for any opposition.

 

Grace Nweke and Courtney Bruce contest the high ball. Image Marcela Massey

 

3. Where to for Walmsley? Thrown into the deep end against Australia in just her third and fourth international tests, Amelia Walmsley impressed. Up against Courtney Bruce, she shot 21/25 (84%) in the first match, and 17/19 (89.5%) across two quarters in the second. While Walmsley’s inexperience showed at times, she looks to have a long and bright international career ahead of her. Unfortunately for the 19 year old, she could spend much of her career playing second fiddle to Nweke, but New Zealand must be delighted with the long term prospect of their twin towers.

 

Amelia Walmsley got her first taste of playing against the Diamonds. Image – Aliesha Vicars

 

4. While most nations now rely on a tall post shooter, the Diamonds have moved in the opposite direction. Mobility and speed of ball movement are two of their greatest attacking strengths, denying defenders time and space to set up against such tactics. Cara Koenen, for example, is available both in and outside the circle, taking 7 second phase receives in the first test, and 11 in the second test. Koenen may not sink the same volume as a post-up shooter, but creates plenty of space for her partner to drive into, and is usually available as an attacking option. She recorded 27/31 (87) across 49 minutes in the first test, and 33/33 (100%) in the second.

 

Cara Koenen shot 100% in Test 2 in Brisbane. Image – Simon Leonard

 

5. Ball security has been a focus for the Silver Ferns for some time, but has it come at the expense of their free-flowing game? Far too often the midcourt are passing dropped balls at each other’s feet instead of gaining depth and fluidity on attack, and allowing defenders time to set up in the circle. While the Silver Ferns looked more assured to let the longer ball go into Nweke, it’s an aspect of their game that will have to be addressed urgently, as the short pass rule changes in 2024.

 

New Zealand will have to adapt to changes to the short pass rule. Image Shaun Sharp/Moments by Shaun

 

6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T After a busy domestic and international calendar, the Diamonds and Silver Ferns could have been excused for resting some of their stars. Instead, both teams named full strength line ups to contest the Constellation Cup. The first two games have seen some phenomenal passages of play, as the two old rivals have gone hard at each other. Aretha Franklin would be impressed.

 

The Diamonds and Silver Ferns rivalry continues. Image Aliesha Vicars

 

7. While Kiera Austin slotted relatively seamlessly into the goal attack bib, Ash Brazill’s long term successor at wing defence is still anyone’s guess. Jamie-Lee Price recorded 45 minutes in test 1, playing a close checking style that restricted the Silver Ferns’ room to move. However, she also recorded a high 14 penalties, releasing pressure in the defensive end, to go with her two gains. Sunday Aryang had 66 minutes across the two tests, for 10 penalties, two gains and two pick ups, while Kate Moloney received 8 minutes for no penalties or gains. Amy Parmenter should also receive an opportunity in the South African series.

 

Sunday Aryang and Mila Reuleu-Buchanan jostle for space. Image Shaun Sharp/Moments by Shaun

 

8. Albeit with some criticism of their short pass play the Silver Ferns, and the Diamonds, have made ball security a focus in recent years. Australia has been particularly thrifty in the first leg, giving up just 11 and 12 turnovers for the two matches. New Zealand weren’t far behind with 18 and 16, also impressive numbers given they were bedding in a new shooter and midcourt.

In addition, the Diamonds have scored from over 80% of their centre passes in both matches. Converting gains into goals was a challenge in test 1, with Australia sitting at 42% and the New Zealand at 43%. The Diamonds upped the ante in test two, scoring from 71% of their gains, while New Zealand sunk to just 17%.

 

Liz Watson is always strong across the transverse third, but defenders took the majority of centre passes in test two. Image Simon Leonard.

 

9. Is anyone capable of stopping Liz Watson? At the moment the answer is no. The powerful midcourter hits the circle edge like no other, distributing 36 feeds in test one, and 28 feeds in test 2. Kate Heffernen had her hands full limiting the Australian captain’s effectiveness, and has pulled in just one intercept and three deflections without gain, across the two matches. However, she reduced her penalty count from 13 in the first match, to just 4 in the second as she managed – somewhat – to reduce Watson’s output. Heffernen was named as midcourter of the World Cup for her role at centre, but with her shift back to wing defence the newly minted rivalry between her and Watson promises to be entertaining.

 

Liz Watson and Kate Heffernen should have a long standing rivalry. Image Shaun Sharp/Moments by Shaun

 

10. The tactical rivalry between Noeline Taurua and Stacey Marinkovich has been fascinating – from positional switches to on-court setups, there’s been plenty to keep an eye on. Starting play is just one example – in test 1 the defenders (goal defence and wing defence) took 24% (New Zealand) and 35% (Australia) of the centre pass receives. That changed dramatically in test two, with the Australian defenders taking 61% of the centre passes (an increase of 26%), while New Zealand’s took 47% (an increase of 23%). Was it a deliberate ploy, or a result of tightened defence? Either way, the coaches had their fingerprints all over it.

 

The Silver Ferns brain’s trust. Image Aliesha Vicars

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About the Author:

Physiotherapist, writer and netball enthusiast. Feature articles, editorials and co-author of "Shine: the making of the Australian Netball Diamonds". Everyone has a story to tell, and I'm privileged to put some of them on paper. Thank you to the phenomenal athletes, coaches and people in the netball world who open a door to their lives, and let me tiptoe in.
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