Is the Diamonds’ Worrying Form Just a Minor Slump or a Major Crisis?

After going 3-0 down in the Constellation Cup to New Zealand, losing has become an all-too familiar feeling for Australia’s netball team.

“The Diamonds are getting used to losing.” These words from Netball Australia board chair Liz Ellis resonate deeply, especially following the recent 18-goal defeat to New Zealand, which handed the Silver Ferns an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the Constellation Cup series. Interestingly, this assessment dates back to 2021, the last time the Diamonds lost the Cup.

Perhaps those words ignited something within the team, or they were simply rusty from years of lockdowns and adapting to a new coach. Regardless, the Diamonds rebounded spectacularly, winning Commonwealth Games gold in 2022 and the Netball World Cup in 2023, both of which they had narrowly lost in the previous cycle.

The Diamonds are one of the world’s most successful sporting teams, and their historical dominance has fostered a sense of resilience among players and fans alike. However, the recent series loss raises concerns, not just due to the defeats themselves, but their overwhelming nature. In 2021, the Diamonds lost three matches by margins of five, six, and two goals, managing a nine-goal victory in between. In contrast, the 2024 series has seen losses by 14, 11, and 18 goals, with the Diamonds failing to appear competitive.

Historically, while they’ve faced big defeats—like a 25-goal loss to New Zealand in 2005—never before have they lost three consecutive matches by double-digit margins. This unprecedented trend gives even the most devoted fans pause for thought.

Worryingly, it’s the Diamonds’ senior players—expected to be the team’s backbone heading into upcoming major tournaments—that are raising concerns. Captain Liz Watson had only six goal assists in her 35 minutes on court during Sunday’s match, alongside three turnovers. Defensive stalwart Courtney Bruce managed just one deflection and one gain in 42 minutes, while conceding 11 penalties and two turnovers. Paige Hadley, a veteran of nearly 12 years with the Diamonds, symbolized the team’s struggles when she inadvertently handed the ball back to the Silver Ferns after a hard-fought gain in the third quarter.

While facing a crisis isn’t ideal, the timing could be fortuitous, with two years until the Commonwealth Games and three years until the next Netball World Cup. The Diamonds hold a significant lead in the world rankings and can afford to experiment as they seek to reclaim their dominance. Coach Stacey Marinkovich demonstrated her willingness to try new combinations during the match by introducing relatively inexperienced players like Matilda Garrett, Rudi Ellis, and debutante Georgie Horjus. Although the changes didn’t translate to scoreboard success, they suggest a potential shift in the team’s dynamics.

With only pride at stake in the final game of the series, eyes will be on Marinkovich to see if she benches the struggling senior players, allowing younger talents a chance to prove themselves without the burden of a significant deficit.