GIANTS young guns Amy Sligar and Erin O’Brien had a taste for the top-level last week when they attended the Origin Australian Diamonds camp for the first time as invitees.
Recognised as two of Australian Netball’s emerging stars, the duo joined the full squad at the Australian Insitute of Sport in Canberra for a five-day high-performance camp.
Designed as preparation for the upcoming international series against both South Africa and the New Zealand Silver Ferns, the camp provided Sligar and O’Brien with the opportunity to test themselves and train alongside some of the world’s best.
While nerves and excitement were common themes leading into the camp, both players thoroughly enjoyed the experience - leaving not only with blisters, but also with a list of valuable learnings.
Midcourter Sligar said the week was as challenging as it was fun.
“Everybody told us that the skill level and intensity would be extremely high - and they weren’t lying - but it’s what you’d expect from the world’s best,” she said.
“I enjoyed the skills sessions, learning the Diamonds game plan, and then being able to implement it into the match play in the final few days was super exciting.
“I learnt so much during camp from both the coaches and staff, as well as the other girls.
“My favourite part was getting to know everyone and building connections both on and off the court.”
2025 GIANTS Player of the Year O’Brien echoed Sligar’s reflections.
“I learnt so much over the week from the coaches and players, and I really enjoyed testing myself against some of the best netballers in the world,” she said.
“It was so cool to be amongst the squad and to get a taste of what it’s like to train and play at this level. The girls and staff were so welcoming and supportive of each other."
The duo attended the camp alongside GIANTS teammates Sophie Dwyer and Lucy Austin, making the experience even more special as the club was well represented among the national squad.
With their first Diamonds experience now under their belt, the young duo will enjoy a break before returning to club for pre-season in the coming months, ready to take their game to new heights in 2026 as part of new-look GIANTS side.
