Six GIANTS Named in Netball Australia Programs

Netball Australia has named a 21-strong Origin Australian Diamonds squad for 2021/2022, as international returns to Australia for the first time in two years.

Within the 21-player squad is three GIANTS, including 24-year-old defensive mid-courter Amy Parmenter for the first time.

Parmenter burst on to the Super Netball scene in 2019 and was named the Rebel Young Player of the Year in her first season.

After two seasons in the Australian Development Squad, she has rightfully been rewarded with national selection.

Jamie-Lee Price has earnt selection for a third-straight season, after another consistent performance steering the GIANTS’ mid-court.

Kiera Austin has retained her spot in the Diamonds squad as she continues to rehab from her ACL injury and looks towards an international return at the Commonwealth Games in July 2022.

Young gun Sophie Dwyer, who stormed onto the Super Netball scene this year, is also an invitee to the Origin Australian Diamonds camp, which is scheduled to be held in September this year.

Defender April Brandley, who represented the Diamonds in the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, did not make herself available for selection this year as she focuses on her young family.

The Origin Diamonds are first scheduled to take on the New Zealand Ferns in the 12th Constellation Cup this October.

Netball Australia is exploring further test match opportunities and will provide an update when details are confirmed.

The squad was selected by a panel made up of Origin Australian Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich and national selectors Anne Sargeant OAM and Michelle Wilkins.

Meanwhile, the 2021/22 Australian Development squad has also been announced, continuing to develop a depth of talent within Netball Australia’s pathway. The squad was selected by the National Selection panel and will be coached by GIANTS Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald.

Another three GIANTS players have been listed in the 19-player Development Squad including Diamonds invitee Sophie Dwyer, as well as wing attack Maddie Hay and emerging defender Tilly McDonell.

Hay has continued to take her game to the next level this season as she puts her hand up as one the best wing attacks in the league.

McDonell has continued to develop her game as a ball-winning defender, used as an impact player off the bench this season.

On behalf of the GIANTS, Fitzgerald congratulated her players on their representation across the two programs.

“I’m so happy to see Amy rewarded with this selection. She’s improved out of sight this season and she deserves this opportunity,” said Fitzgerald.

“Jamie-Lee is into her third season in the national program now and while we often see her play a different role in Diamonds colours, she’s becoming a more consistent player each time she takes the court, no matter what bib she’s wearing.

“Kiera clearly won’t take part in the Constellation Cup as she continues her rehabilitation but after her great international debut late last season, she deserves to retain her spot and this provides her with a great focus as she works on her comeback.”

Speaking as Head Coach of the Australian Development Squad, Fitzgerald said she has her fingers and toes crossed for the program planned for this group of emerging talent.

“It’s such an exciting group of young athletes and I hope we’re able to fulfil this program given the current climate we’re all operating in,” she said.

“I’m also delighted for our three girls who have been selected.

“We’ve seen the incredible impact Sophie has had on this Super Netball season and Tilly has gone from strength to strength in 2021 and we’ve clearly seen that on court.

“This is also a well-deserved recognition for Maddie. She just goes about her business, does what you ask to and she’s playing some great netball.”
 

2021/22 Origin Australian Diamonds squad

2021/22 Australian Development squad