Netball: Australian shooter Caitlin Bassett to take over Diamonds captaincy

Australian super shooter Caitlin Bassett will become the 24th player to lead the Diamonds side. Photo/PHOTOSPORT.

Australian super shooter Caitlin Bassett will take over the captaincy of the Diamonds this season.

Bassett was today named as the Australian side's 24th skipper, with midcourters Madison Robinson and Gabi Simpson stepping up as vice captains. Bassett's elevation comes following the retirement of Clare McMeniman, who captained the side last season in the absence of Laura Geitz.

Bassett and Robinson's positions in the leadership group have been reaffirmed, with Simpson elevated to the group for the first time. Sharni Layton, who is on indefinite leave from netball due to exhaustion, also remains in the leadership group.

Coach Lisa Alexander and the Diamonds have worked closely with Leading Teams since 2012, in the establishment of the 'sisters in arms' trademark and frameworks around team culture.

"Our leadership vote doesn't occur in isolation," explained Alexander.

"It occurs off the back of lots of work and shared experience with the Leading Teams approach. This is a process that has been embraced and driven by the athletes, and supported by our coaching and support staff."

Bassett becomes the 24th Australian netballer to represent their country as captain of the national team. She is the second West Australian to lead the Diamonds, following in the footsteps of Jill McIntosh, who captained the side in 1982.

"The fact that it's a team vote, gives me so much confidence," said Bassett.

"In a group that has such strong leaders, I was really humbled and honoured to be chosen from them. There is no higher honour than being chosen by your teammates."

The goal shooter is excited by the prospect of growth over the next twelve months, through her leadership role.

"The thing I am most looking forward to is growing. I want to grow with the team and to grow more leaders within the team," Bassett explained.

"It's an exciting period for the Diamonds, as we have so many fresh faces, all challenging for a place in the team ahead of a big two years with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup Liverpool 2019."

With the Netball Quad Series commencing next Saturday in Brisbane, and Gold Coast 2018 on the horizon, the leadership group will play an important role on the journey to a home Commonwealth Games.

"It's going to be critical to have a strong leadership group over the next 12 months," said Alexander.

The Silver Ferns will meet Australia five times over the upcoming international season, with the first showdown in Invercargill during next month's Quad Series.