Australian Netball Team Secures Series Win Against Jamaica; Watson Nears 100-Test Milestone

Australia's national netball team, the Diamonds, has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-Test series against Jamaica. The world number one ranked Diamonds recorded convincing victories in Adelaide and Perth, with the final match scheduled for Melbourne.

The series serves as crucial preparation for an upcoming major international netball competition. Sources have referred to this event as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, though there are conflicting dates cited, with one indicating a late July start and another referencing July 2026. Captain Liz Watson is also set to reach a significant career milestone during the series.

Series Overview

The three-Test netball series between world number one Australia and world number three Jamaica commenced in Adelaide on February 5. The series continued in Perth, with the final Test scheduled for Melbourne on February 11. Australia has won the first two matches, establishing a 2-0 series lead.

Jamaica's squad for the series was notably without key players, including star shooters Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (due to pregnancy) and Romelda Aiken-George, among other experienced individuals.

Match Recaps

Australia defeated Jamaica 72-41 in the first Test held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 5. The Diamonds established an early lead, scoring the initial six goals.

• Quarter-time: Australia led 16-10.
• Half-time: Australia maintained a 34-22 advantage, after Jamaica had reduced the deficit at two points in the second quarter.
• Mid-third quarter: Australia's lead extended to 46-24.
• End of third quarter: Australia led 54-30.

Shooters Sophie Garbin scored 10 goals from 10 attempts and Kiera Austin scored 6 goals from 6 attempts in the first quarter. Overall, Sophie Garbin contributed 17 goals from 18 attempts, and Kiera Austin scored 21 goals from 23 attempts before substitutions. Cara Koenen scored 25 goals from 27 attempts and Sophie Dwyer added 9 goals from 11 attempts. Kiera Austin was named player of the match. All 12 players in the Australian squad participated in the match.

Australia secured a 73-41 victory over Jamaica in Perth, three days after the first Test. This win confirmed Australia's unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

• Quarter-time: Australia led 20-8.
• Final quarter: Australia scored 19-8.

Jamaica recorded 53 percent of goals from centre passes and 32 general play turnovers, compared to Australia's 17. All 12 Diamonds players participated. Noted individual performances included Sophie Garbin with 29 goals from 32 attempts, Cara Koenen with 21 goals, and Kiera Austin with 16 goals, seven assists, and three gains. Midfielder Kate Moloney played her 50th game, recording four gains and two intercepts. Wing attack Georgie Horjus was named player of the match, credited with 18 goal assists and 33 feeds.

Squad Details and Player Milestones

The 12-member Australian squad for the series was selected by coach Stacey Marinkovich following a training camp in Canberra.

• Full Squad: Liz Watson (captain), Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, and Joanna Weston.
• Matilda Garrett's Inclusion: Defender Matilda Garrett, an Adelaide Thunderbird, was selected following Sunday Aryang's torn anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during the Diamonds' Test against New Zealand on October 29.
• Liz Watson's Milestone: Captain Liz Watson is expected to play her 100th Test if she participates in all three matches of the series. If achieved, she would become the sixth Australian player to reach this milestone. Previous players include Liz Ellis (122 Tests), Sharelle McMahon (118 Tests), Cath Cox (108 Tests), Vicki Wilson (104 Tests), and Caitlin Bassett (102 Tests).
• Kate Moloney's Milestone: Midfielder Kate Moloney marked her 50th game for Australia during the second Test in Perth.

Coach's Perspective

Coach Stacey Marinkovich stated that the team was exploring its depth and aiming for versatility. She noted that players have trained to adapt and utilize individual strengths to shift strategies during a game, observing that players who entered the matches made an impact.

"The team was gaining valuable insights from the series and that achieving wide margins and utilizing player rotations were positive outcomes."

Marinkovich had previously noted that competing against Jamaica would serve as a significant test for the team's progression towards its primary event for the year.