Cover image: Tanya Snelling.
1.On top of an already impressive season, Cara Koenen showed that she’s a genuine option at goal attack for the Diamonds. In 105 minutes of court time, Koenen contributed 49 goals at 98% across the series playing across both circle positions. Her most impressive outing at goal attack was in the third test, where she partnered with Donnell Wallam for 30 minutes. The duo sunk 44 goals between them in Australia’s two highest scoring quarters for the series. More importantly, Koenen’s timing was impeccable – she knew when to be an option in the circle, and when to allow Wallam one-on-one room against her opponent.
Donnell Wallam pulls in a high ball. Her connection with Cara Koenen was strong. Image: Tanya Snelling
2.With Kiera Austin rested against South Africa, coach Stacey Marinkovich will have the unenviable task of reducing five shooters to four for the Quad Series. Sophie Garbin and Wallam were both formidable options at goal shooter, although Sophie Dwyer took a little while to find her feet at goal attack. In the first quarter of test two, she shot 11/12 to Koenen’s 7/7 in a reversal of the shooting roles usually seen in the circle. However, her slightly early entry into the circle didn’t allow Koenen time and space to set up against her opponent, leaving Dwyer the front option as she took on the bulk of the shooting. Her balance was better in the second quarter, with Koenen scoring 10/10 and Dwyer 4/8, albeit at less than sparkling accuracy.
Some encouragement from captain Liz Watson for newly minted goal attack Cara Koenen, as she adds to her on court repertoire. Kamogelo Maseko
3.While the Diamonds won the series convincingly, as new combinations were trialled some team metrics were below their usually lofty targets. Centre pass conversion remained at a high standard, and the gains conversion for test 3 (15 at 100%) was particularly pleasing. However, unforced turnover conversion needs improving, with just the final test hitting over 60%. There’s definite room for improvement across South Africa’s conversion rates, although errors were to be expected with so many new caps in the side. Scoring off their centre pass would have to be the Proteas’ biggest work-on, with a high of just 64% in test two, and falling to 55% and 58% in the others.
| Conversion rates | Test 1 | Test 2 | Test 3 |
| CP Conversion rate |
Aust 78% SA 55% |
Aust 77% SA 64% |
Aust 78% SA 58% |
| Gains conversion rate |
Aust 65% SA 63% |
Aust 71% SA 60% |
Aust 100% SA 82% |
| Turnover conversion rate |
Aust 54% SA 60% |
Aust 57% SA 50% |
Aust 61 % SA 42% |
A catch up between Nichole Taljaard and Australia’s Sunday Aryang. Image: Tanya Snelling
4.South Africa continue to find tall and accurate shooters who aren’t afraid to take the mid range shots. Ine-Mari Venter shot 84/96 (87.5%) across the series, while Rolene Streutker had a promising cameo. A late call up to replace Owethu Ngubane, who had university commitments, Streutker had 18 minutes in the first test, for 12/13 (92%) and three turnovers. In the second test match she played 15 minutes, shooting 10/10 (100%), and contributed two pick ups for no turnovers. With Lenize Potgeiter’s future uncertain due to ongoing knee issues, the Proteas will look to get more game time into their rising star.
Sarah Klau tries to cut off a pass to Nichole Taljaard. Image: Tanya Snelling
5.While most fans expected Lefebre Rademan or Nichole Taljaard to own the Proteas’ goal attack bib, it was Kamogelo Maseko who made it her own. The 21 year old earned MVP honours in test 2 for her contribution of 20/23 (87%), 19 centre pass receives, and 16 feeds. Giving up 7 turnovers across the 60 minute period was costly however. In game three Maseko was less dominant during her 55 minutes, contributing 11/12 (92%). However, her accuracy increased while her turnovers decreased to just 3, while she also contributed 14 centre pass receives and 15 feeds. Maseko spent a short period of time at wing attack in the first test, making her one of the valuable rarities that can slide between goal and wing attack as needed.
Kamogelo Maseko (right) was a revelation at goal attack for the Proteas. Kamogelo Maseko
6.Did coach Norma Plummer pre-empt the retirement announcements of Phumza Maweni and Bongiwe Msomi? In post match interviews Plummer indicated that they would be retiring after the upcoming series against England. Each player has earned well over 100 caps for their country, and are legends of the sport. Given her first pair of sandshoes at the age of 28, Maweni debuted a year later, after a combination of shyness and childhood poverty made her a late bloomer. (Read more here). Msomi is one of the most respected leaders in world netball, and after eight years at the helm, the heart and soul of the Proteas will be hard to replace. Both leave behind a formidable legacy, and their foundations will continue supporting impoverished young women in South Africa.
According to coach Norma Plummer, Phumza Maweni is hanging up her sneakers after 10 years in the national team. Image: Tanya Snelling
Amy Parmenter takes to the court against South African captain and legend Bongiwe Msomi. Image: Tanya Snelling
7.Among the Proteas up and coming players, Refiloe Nketsa also deserves a mention. The 28 year old plays across all three midcourt positions, but was used exclusively at centre in this series. She had 15 minutes in test 2 and 30 minutes in test 3, averaging 8 feeds and 5 second phase receives per quarter. Impressively, she picked off 2 gains in game three, and gave away just one turnover during her time on court.
8.Where to for the Australian defensive end? With Courtney Bruce, Sarah Klau and Jo Weston all locked in, debutante Matilda Garrett is breathing down Sunday Aryang’s neck for a place in the team. Aryang only played wing defence in the Constellation Cup, but received opportunities both there and at goal defence during this series. She contributed 6 gains and 4 pick-ups across 90 minutes, and has also made huge progress in her ability to lock down a wing attack. In Garrett’s 90 minutes, the rangy goal defence hauled in 6 gains and 2 pick ups, suggesting the two are running neck and neck.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich could theoretically install Aryang as a wing defence in the midcourt, sliding Garrett into the fourth defensive position out on court. However that would be at the peril of ignoring specialist Amy Parmenter, who finished with 4 gains and 2 pick-ups during her 75 minute stint at wing defence, or multi-positional players Jamie-Lee Price and Kate Moloney.
Newcomers Tilly Garrett and Amy Parmenter made life difficult for South Africa across the transverse line. Image: Tanya Snelling
Warm up mode – Tilly Garrett (left) went on to make her debut, while Sunday Aryang (middle) returned to her more usual position of goal defence. Image: Tanya Snelling
9.Liz Watson continues to set the bar for all wing attacks, with another outstanding series. Rested for all bar 15 minutes in the first test, the affable Diamonds’ captain put her foot down in the next two. During the second test she contributed 31 feeds and 17 centre pass receives for three turnovers across 45 minutes. Playing 60 minutes in her 80th test appearance, Watson picked up a deserved MVP with 44 feeds, 27 centre pass receives for three turnovers. The Proteas shifted their best defender, Karla Pretorius, onto Watson in a bid to quell her supremacy, with minimal effect. Watson’s strength and ability to hit the circle edge is key to her on court performance, while as captain, she has played an important role in cementing the Sisters in Arms legacy within the current crop of Diamonds.
Liz Watson always leads from the front. Image: Tanya Snelling
10.Many fans muted their screens as commentator Matt Russell mispronounced names and mixed up several players. With plenty of opportunities for homework, or for fellow commentators to correct his pronunciation, it was particularly disappointing not to hear iconic Proteas’ captain and 160 plus gamer Bongiwe Msomi called correctly.
