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Diamonds hopeful Bassett brings Kiwi intel

3 minute read

Australian netball coach Stacey Marinkovich says veteran shooter Caitlin Bassett offers good value to the Diamonds after her season in New Zealand.

STACEY MARINKOVICH.
STACEY MARINKOVICH. Picture: Ross Swanborough/Getty Images

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich is hoping former captain Caitlin Bassett can bring some valuable first-hand knowledge of the New Zealand game as the Australians attempt to win back the Constellation Cup.

The Australians and Kiwis will meet again over four games in October after the 3-1 series defeat to New Zealand in March.

Bassett was a surprise inclusion in the Diamonds squad named Sunday given the 33-year-old's inconsistent season playing in the New Zealand competition with the Magic, who only managed one win.

Bassett shot 402 goals at a respectable 91 per cent but the 102-Test veteran appeared to be carrying a knee issue, which Marinkovic said was just a niggle.

Long considered one of the best holding shooters in the world, Bassett moved from Super Netball feeling her style was better suited to the domestic Kiwi game rather than the super shot embraced by the Australian competition.

Bassett still has to survive the cut in September from 21 to 12 players, plus three training partners, with Marinkovich lauding the "enhanced skill set" of her more mobile shooters.

"Our shooters largely still work to get to post that high percentage shot, but we certainly now have a range of shooters that that can be a threat in multiple areas in that goal circle," the coach said on Monday.

Regardless Marinkovich said Bassett still had something to offer the Diamonds.

"I'm interested in how she comes back over and transitions from playing in New Zealand and what learnings did she take from that opportunity.

"I'm sure she's got some knowledge that she can share and obviously then we'll see how she slots back into the combinations and what that looks like coming back in."

The squad will go into a training camp next month with Marinkovich looking forward to an extended preparation after Australia handed over the trophy for the first time since 2012.

She said she would name a full-time captain ahead of the Constellation Cup, with the Commonwealth Games also looming in 2022.

Midcourt ace Liz Watson held the role for three of the four games in New Zealand, with long-time leader Bassett resuming the role for one.

Watson missed the entire Super season after foot surgery but has been included in the squad with hopes she will be available to play in October, with two Tests in Queensland before two in New Zealand.

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