Netball: Australia calls up tall timber to counter Irene van Dyk

By JULIE ASH

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken is happy going into next month's series against Australia with just three shooters despite their rivals eyeing up a couple of giants to counter Irene van Dyk.

Aitken has made two changes to the side that won the World Championships in Jamaica last year.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic defender Joline Henry has forced her way into the side for the first time while Auckland Diamond midcourter Victoria Edward earns a recall.

With shooter Tania Dalton out with a serious knee injury and slim pickings in the shooting department, the selectors decided against naming a fourth shooter instead opting for another midcourter in Edward.

"I think any coach always wants lots and lots of shooters but when you play a home series it changes the selections and gives us a bit more flexibility," Aitken said.

"Victoria has been pushing hard for a long time and certainly this year her performances have been very consistent."

While the depth of shooting talent in New Zealand is a concern, across the Tasman new Australian coach Norma Plummer has made it clear she is looking for more height in defence to match the 1.90m van Dyk and stymie the Ferns' tactic of lobbing the ball into the shooting circle.

Adelaide's Demelza Fellowes has been invited to train with the Australian squad, which will be reduced to 12 on May 23, while back in the mix is former international Bianca Chatfield.

At 1.88m, Chatfield and Fellowes are closer in height to van Dyk than veteran defender Liz Ellis, who at 1.83m is 7cm shorter than her opponent.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see Liz Ellis moved to goal defence and either Demelza Fellowes or Bianca Chatfield in at the back," Aitken said.

"I think they will bring another tall one into that defence end."

That is something she admits is mildly concerning, although she concedes the Ferns are used to their opponents targeting van Dyk.

"It is natural they will do things and we just have to get cleverer."

Twenty-one-year-old Henry's inclusion into the New Zealand team came at the expense of her Magic team-mate Leana du Plooy.

"We really wanted a back-up in goal defence and I'd say Leana is stronger as a goal keep rather than a goal defence," Aitken said.

"Joline is a great reader of the game. She comes up with some outstanding ball.

"She is very quick and I am sure she'll be pushing for some court time."

Henry, who had parents Joseph and Aroha and boyfriend Shane Kenny by her side yesterday, was overwhelmed by her inclusion.

"I had a hard day at university and was in bed and was just about to go to sleep when the phone rang.

"I thought, 'Who's this ringing me at this hour?' I picked up the phone and it was, 'Hi, Joline, it's Ruth here, I'm just ringing to tell you you have made the Silver Ferns.

"I was like, 'You are kidding me, you are kidding me'. I was over the moon."

It was also a big day for Henry's Wanganui-based parents, who before yesterday had never set foot in a plane.

"It was alright until we hit a bit of turbulence then I got a bit worried," Joseph Henry said. "But it was worth it. We are very, very proud of her."

Diamonds midcourter Anna Rowberry, who last week returned to action from a broken elbow, will again captain the side.

Aitken said Rowberry's outstanding form in pre-season matches in Adelaide and contribution in training camps ensured she retained her position.

The first test is in Christchurch on June 30.

The second tests is in Palmerston North on July 2 and the third in Hamilton on July 5.

Silver Ferns

Irene van Dyk, Belinda Colling, Jodie Te Huna, Anna Rowberry (c), Temepara Clark, Adine Harper, Lesley Nicol, Vilimaina Davu, Anna Scarlett, Victoria Edward, Joline Henry, Sheryl Scanlan (nee Clarke).