Netball: Aussie confirm 12-strong team

Diamonds GK Laura Geitz. Photo / APN.

Netball Australia has officially confirmed its 12-strong team to defend their world title in Sydney in August after an administrative blunder saw the team published online last night.

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander announced the team at a glitzy media gathering at the Sydney Opera House this morning, although much of the surprise factor had been lost after the team was mistakenly published on Netball Australia's website last night.

The key change in the team was the selection of NSW Swifts midcourter Paige Hadley, who was left out of the initial 18-player Diamonds squad earlier this year after a slow start to the season as she returned from a serious knee injury. But Hadley's performances over the back half of the ANZ Championship season were enough to force her way into the side, replacing the injured Madison Robinson.

The other changes to the Australian line-up from last year's Commonwealth Games are the return of Thunderbirds shooter Erin Bell at the expense of Tegan Philip (Vixens), while Rebecca Bulley replaced retired defender Bianca Chatfield.

Alexander's team also includes seven players returning from the side that won the title four years ago in Singapore in a dramatic overtime win against the Silver Ferns - Caitlin Bassett, Erin Bell, Julie Corletto, Laura Geitz, Kimberlee Green, Sharni Layton and Natalie Medhurst.

"This Diamonds selection process was nothing short of the most difficult in my coaching career, such is the high level of performance from the athletes this year, however the selectors and I are confident this is the team to win the Netball World Cup," Alexander said.

"The 12 athletes selected will bring great versatility, huge competitiveness and a capacity to keep improving as a team together. This is what will be required to compete at this World Cup which will be the most challenging tournament in history."

Renae Hallinan will finally get her opportunity to represent Australia at a Netball World Cup after missing selection in 2011. With 57 tests to her name, the 28-year-old is currently the most capped Diamonds player of all-time to not have played in a World Cup.

The Silver Ferns team for the World Cup, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park from August 7-16, will be named on July 2 following three-day trials in Auckland.

Australian Diamonds team:
Laura Geitz (captain), Rebecca Bulley, Julie Corletto, Sharni Layton, Kimberlee Green, Paige Hadley, Renae Hallinan, Kim Ravaillion, Caitlin Bassett, Erin Bell, Natalie Medhurst and Caitlin Thwaites.