Australian Diamonds 2013 Netball Squads

The 2013 Australian Diamonds squad has been announced for the test series against the Silver Ferns as well as a test series against the Malawi Queens later in the year.

As predicted the Diamonds have gone for a mix of youth and experience in preparation for next years Commonwealth Games and the World Championship's in 2015.

Squad to Face Silver Ferns
Caitlin Bassett
Erin Bell
Maddi Brown
Bec Bulley
Bianca Chatfield
Laura Geitz (Captain)
Kim Green
Renae Hallinan
Sharni Layton
Nat Medhurst
Kim Ravallion
Caitlin Thwaites

Squad to Face Malawi Queens
Caitlin Bassett
Erin Bell
Maddi Brown
Bec Bulley
Laura Geitz (Captain)
Kim Green
Paige Hadley
Renae Hallinan
Demelza McCloud
Sharni Layton
Nat Medhurst
Caitlin Thwaites

Demelza McCloud makes her first apperance in a Diamonds squad since 2005, with Bianca Chatfield dropping out for the Malawi series.

Julie Corletto has not been included in either squad for this years test series. It is unclear if this is due to injury or if due to her playing the 2013 ANZ Championship season for the Northern Mystics she has been overlooked for players in the current Australian system. Although Julie didn't have her best season to date, the previous experience she has for the Diamonds and in particular against the Silver Ferns should have warranted a place for her in the squads.

A point of interest is that in either squad, no player has over 50 test caps to their name with centre court stalwart Nat Von Bertouch retiring post ANZ Championship and Cath Cox making herself unavailable for selection this year due to fatigue.

Cannot wait until the international season kicks off.

What do you think of the squads named?