Netball: A dinkum Diamond

By JULIE ASH

Despite having to scale rocks and clamber across a tightrope at a recent training camp, former Australian captain Kathryn Harby-Williams is looking forward to her new life as an Auckland Diamond.

Williams joined the franchise last month and although she has spent little time with the team, as she is still based in Adelaide, she likes what she sees.

"I haven't enjoyed my netball this much for a long time.

"I think that is just because it is a change and a new challenge and a chance to be successful with a new side. Hopefully I can contribute and help the Diamonds toward an enjoyable and successful season."

Harby-Williams has taken part in a handful of training sessions, including a two-day team building camp on Motutapu Island.

"We did a lot of team activities, rock climbing, some commando course competitions, kayaking, high rope stuff."

None of which fazed the 34-year-old goal defence.

"When you get to my age you have been there and done plenty of those sort of things."

Harby-Williams' decision to come to New Zealand had been a drawn out one.

"It was a funny process for my husband and I. Initially he was asked to apply for a job in New Zealand. It didn't eventuate but that planted the seed in our minds thinking we are at a stage in our lives where we can do something different."

The news that Harby-Williams and her husband, Corey, were keen to come to New Zealand sent all eight franchises in a spin.

"I thought I was going to the Shakers at one stage, then the Flames but everything fell into place with the Diamonds," Harby-Williams said.

"When you are moving countries a lot of issues need to fall into place and they seemed to happen with the Diamonds. It just panned out that way."

Corey is still on the hunt for a job - as is Harby-Williams. She currently works as a sport reporter for Channel Seven in Adelaide.

She had looked at similar roles here.

"So we'll just see what happens."

But until things become a bit more secure on the job front she will travel to and from Australia.

"My life is in a bit of disarray at the moment, which is quite foreign to my husband and I who had our whole future all mapped out.

"We are excited about it even though everything is so uncertain."

The move to New Zealand, could well provide a new start for Harby-Williams following her side's 49-47 loss to the Silver Ferns in the final of last year's world championships.

"It was disappointing and absolutely devastating at the time," Harby-Williams said.

"But like anything over time all that disappointment becomes a bit of a distant memory.

"I have been very lucky to have been a part of some very close wins. I just have to appreciate that."

What made the loss twice as bad for Harby-Williams was that it was her last game for Australia and she was subbed off in the last quarter.

"I was disappointed. I didn't agree with the decision but it is always the coach's call and [Australian coach] Jill McIntosh and I still get on well. We still talk.

"I don't hide from the fact I was really cut up about it. It was shattering not just to lose but also to be pulled off. I am an athlete and I take pride in my performance so to actually finish my career with the Australian team that way was shattering."

While the idea of Harby-Williams teaming with Silver Ferns captain Anna Rowberry seems a little strange, Harby-Williams said the pair got on like a house on fire.

"People who compete know whenever you are part of a side, that is the side you are focused on. "So for me, even though Anna was in the Silver Ferns, we now have the same goals."

The National Bank Cup starts on April 17.