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AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

World Cup winners dominate Diamonds squad

The majority of Australia's World Cup-winning squad will return to action in the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand.

All of Australia's squad from Cape Town have been selected for the series that starts in Melbourne next week, except retirees Ash Brazill and Steph Wood. 

Midcourter Kate Moloney, who was a reserve for the World Cup, and goaler Sophie Dwyer, who didn't make that squad, replace the retired duo.

Goaler Donnell Wallam, who was a reserve for the World Cup, has been overlooked altogether.

Wallam is not injured, with selection understood to be based on performance and combinations on the court.

Midcourter Maddy Proud had been among the potential inclusions but won't play after knee surgery ruled her out of the Constellation Cup and the subsequent series against South Africa.

Proud suffered the injury during the early stages of Diamonds preparations but is understood to be tracking well.

Coach Stacey Marinkovich stressed she wanted to reward her World Cup winners.

"We want to acknowledge and reward the performance of the team that got the job done in Cape Town," Marinkovich said in a statement.

"Sophie and Kate have contributed to the success of the Diamonds over the past 18 months, and this is another opportunity to showcase their skill set.

"To have the entire squad together for a training camp, with some fresh faces, brings a lot of energy and I am excited to see how that translates within the training environment.

"It also shows we are looking forward to our selection for the South Africa series and ensuring we continue to grow our depth."

Tippah Dwan, Ash Ervin, Hannah Mundy and Alice Teague-Neeld will join the Diamonds in training camp, which starts in Canberra this Thursday, as invitees.

Under Marinkovich, Australia have struggled against New Zealand but had the good fortune of avoiding clashes with the Silver Ferns in both their Commonwealth Games and World Cup campaigns. 

"The Constellation Cup has grown in significance as we haven't played the Silver Ferns at the most recent Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup," Marinkovich said. 

"It's great to see the traditional rivalry on centre stage and we look forward to challenging our brand of netball against our oldest rivals." 

Australia play New Zealand at Melbourne's John Cain Arena on Thursday October 12, then at the Brisbane Entertainment centre three days later.

DIAMONDS CONSTELLATION CUP SQUAD:

Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Paige Hadley, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson, Jo Weston.

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