Bruce Earns Diamonds Selection

Western Australian young gun defender, Courtney Bruce has today been announced as a member of the Australian Diamonds team set to compete in the upcoming Quad Series in England and South Africa.

The team, consisting of players of varying experience levels, will take on South Africa, New Zealand and England in a six game competition.

Bruce said “to represent your country is an absolute honour, and I’m thrilled to finally have the chance to wear the Diamonds dress.”

She earned her selection following breakout season with the West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championship together with her performance last weekend at the Fast5 Netball World Series.

This tournament saw Courtney walk away as one of Australia’s most valuable players with 13 deflections and eight intercepts.

Should Bruce take the court during the Quad Series she will be the first Western Australian to debut for the Australian Diamonds since Kate Beveridge and Caitlin Bassett in 2008.

She said that “this is a goal I set myself some time ago, so I am counting down the days until I get into the Diamonds environment and work with the best players in the country.”

Whilst Bruce has attended National squad camps in the past this will be her first time attending as a named team member, set to travel in January.

“Facing both the Roses and the Proteas on their home courts and in front of their passionate supporters will be a great challenge, but it’s one I am certainly looking forward to.”

The new look team features a number of young players, including fellow debutant Caitlyn Nevins from the Queensland Firebirds.

Western Australian athletes Caitlin Bassett and Natalie Medhurst, who have found themselves as regulars within the Australian side have not been selected to compete at the Quad Series. 

Head coach Lisa Alexander said “all selection decisions are centred on our athletes’ individualized plans. For some of our more experienced athletes it’s about longevity, in saying that, this tour is a great opportunity to highlight our strengths right across our squad and ensure there are strong connections between our athletes, no matter who is on court.”

The Diamonds will play their first game of the 2017 Netball Quad Series on Saturday the 28th of January in Durban, South Africa, against the New Zealand Silver Ferns.