The Australian Diamonds have officially unveiled their new captain today, with Liz Watson becoming the 25th captain in the national team’s history.
The Melbourne Vixen’s wing-attack replaces Caitlin Bassett as captain, who was moved out of the position following the arrival of new head coach Stacey Marinkovich.
After leading the team in its last three test matches of the postponed 2020 Constellation Cup series in New Zealand, Watson has earned the nod of approval from her teammates and the selection committee. This comprised of head coach Marinkovich, Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan and former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis.
Watson says she is very humbled and proud to be given the responsibility of captaining the side.
“I love this sport, I love this team and I love this country. To be given the honour as captain of the Origin Australian Diamonds is something I will forever be thankful for,” she said.
Despite missing the entire 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season with an injury, Watson’s coach and teammates believe that she is the right person to lead them forward.
Australian Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich says that Watson is an incredible person, player and leader.
“Liz’s passion and drive for success is evident and she has a fantastic ability to stay calm while continuing to empower players around her,” she said.
In a newly formed leadership structure, Watson will also be joined by fellow teammate Steph Wood as vice-captain of the team.
Watson will be unable to carry out her leadership role in the upcoming series against England next month, after being sidelined with a foot injury sustained in New Zealand in March. The exact details of that series are yet to be confirmed.
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