Preview of the Constellation Cup

After the Waikato/BOP Magic won the ANZ Championship, I have been hanging out for the beginning of the international netball season and what better way to kick things off than with our Silver Ferns facing off against the Australian Diamonds for the Constellation Cup (netball's version of the bledisloe for all you blokes out there).

Being an avid netball fan, which comes only a very close second to my love of rugby, I am always anticipating these yearly clashes and this year is no different. 

The Silver Ferns team of 12 for the Constellation Cup is:

Shooters: Irene Van Dyk, Maria Tutaia, Catherine Latu, Jodi Brown

Midcourt: Laura Langman (vice-capt), Camilla Lees, Bailey Mes, Kayla Cullen

Defence: Leana de Bruin, Katrina Grant, Anna Harrison, Casey Williams (captain)

Pretty solid looking squad, only two surprises for me when it was announced on the 20th of August. Bailey Mes a fresh young midcourter for the Mystics who even as an avid fan of the game cannot remember the 15 min quarter she played in the ANZ Championships this year. Must have been a pretty phenomenal couple of days at the trials and i cannot wait to see what she can do if she gets the chance out on court.

Second was Jodi Brown who after a couple of kids and a mini retirement from the international game had a pretty solid ANZ Championship campaign for the Southern Steel. My only surprise was that i would have liked to have seen Juliana Naupou get a chance as i believe she had a fantastic season with the Magic and really showed some great character when it came down to the pressure games including the grand final. However it seems that her previous knee injuries have been the reason behind her not being included.

The loss of Temepara George from the WA position leaves some fairly huge shoes to be filled and i personally hope that whoever gets the opportunity to fill this position can put out a strong performance. It is such a vital position on the court and is in desperate need of someone to really make it their own in preparation for Comm games and the next World Championships.

Now to the Aussies....

Shooters: Cath Cox, Catilin Bassett, Erin Bell, Susan Pratley, Nat Medhurst,

Midcourters: Natalie von Bertouch (Capt), Ashleigh Brazill, Maddy Browne,Kim Green, Chelsea Pitman

Defenders: Rebecca Bulley, Bianca Chatfield, Julie Corletto, Laura Geitz, Mo'onia Gerrard,

Pretty tried and true squad from them. Good to see the inclusion of Maddi Browne who I have no doubt will play the majority of the games from the WA position after being arguably the best player in that position during the ANZ Championships this year. 

Was slightly surprised at the inclusion of Mo'onia Gerrard and not Renee Hallinan. 2012 wasnt Mo'onia's best season for the NSW Swifts defender and felt that Renee had a strong campaign after her move to Adelaide from Melbourne. Guess time will tell if that was the right call. Maybe Lisa Alexander has gone for Gerrard for her physicality, and to get under our WA's skin during the pressure games.

The first test kicks off in Melbourne on the 16th of September and I for one will be glued to the television hoping our girls can pull off a win on Australian soil.

Bring it on.