Netball: Brown set on recall

Jodi Brown's recent showings for the Magic make a strong claim for her recall. Photo / Getty Images

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic goal attack Jodi Brown is hoping to exchange a baby bib for a Silver Ferns' bib as she sets her sights on an international recall ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October.

Reclaiming her place in the New Zealand team to Delhi would provide Brown (nee Te Huna) with the opportunity to settle some unfinished business.

Selected in the 2006 Commonwealth Games team to Melbourne, Brown was ruled out with a knee injury just days before the netball competition's opener.

After being a part of 2007's World Championship silver medal-winning squad, Brown left the international scene to have her first child, Kiana - now 18 months old - and has yet to receive further national honours.

With Magic coach Noeline Taurua attesting to the 29-year-old's crucial role within the Magic squad, it would be easy to assume a test call up is a fait accompli, especially considering Brown's sublime performance against the New South Wales Swifts in Newcastle a week ago.

While many trumpeted the phenomenal showing of Magic goal shoot Irene van Dyk, Brown was largely unheralded, despite her critical circle-edge feeds which heavily contributed to van Dyk's success.

Together, the duo asked searching questions of Swifts goal keep and English international Sonia Mkoloma and Australian international defender Rebecca Bulley. Brown says the fact her relationship with van Dyk is peaking at the right time is no accident.

"We've known each other for a long time. We travel together and we have quite a good relationship both on and off the court," Brown said.

"On Sunday, we did our job. It's fantastic to know that we are gelling at just the right time."

With this afternoon's ANZ Championship grand final against the Thunderbirds in Adelaide, there's no better time to stand up and be counted, as Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken watches on.

"We are all really pleased that our game plan is working and we've made it to the final. Five weeks ago, it was all or nothing and it's been that way ever since."

Today, Brown will go toe-to-toe with one of world netball's most formidable defensive partnerships in gritty Australian Mo'onia Gerrard and her English goal keeping counterpart Geva Mentor.

"They are renowned for their physicality," Brown said.

With the pressure reaching fever pitch, Brown has opted to focus on the variables she can control: "I have thought about the Silver Ferns and I haven't. I have kind of realised that the Silver Ferns are out of my control. It would be great to get recalled and while the relationship between Irene and me is great, the Silver Ferns are totally different. But I do think it gives me the upper hand [over the country's other goal attacks]."

Brown concedes she hasn't had any dialogue with Aitken over what she needs to do to earn a recall but she remains optimistic.

"I would like to think [I will be recalled]. I would like to think that my combination with Irene and the way that I have been playing counts for something."