Netball: Edward suddenly in the spotlight

Victoria Edward's first priority is a solid season with the Diamonds. Michael Bradley / Getty Images

If Victoria Edward had to pick a theme song she might consider Elton John's I'm still standing.

Following the withdrawal of Kathryn Harby-Williams, Rachel Rasmussen and Anna Rowberry who are pregnant, and Jodi Te Huna, who is injured - the former Silver Fern is one of few experienced players left in the Diamonds side.

And the competition is only into its third round.

"That is just the nature of sport really, these things happen," Edward said.

"We are all pretty flexible, you just have to roll with it really. I probably feel more sorry for our coach [Sue Hawkins], she has had a lot to deal with already."

Rowberry's retirement last weekend has left a hole not only in the Diamonds midcourt but also in the Silver Ferns squad.

The possible replacements include Debbie White, Liana Barrett-Chase, Julie Seymour and Lesley Rumball, but if Edward has an exceptional National Bank Cup season, a recall is not out of the question.

After all, the 29-year-old was on the court for New Zealand only last year, in the series against England.

Versatility has been a problem for her in the past - she was regarded as a specialist wing defence - but in recent years she has impressed at centre.

With Rowberry out of the Diamonds, the opportunity to don the centre bib may come more easily.

"It is always there in the background," she said, when asked about Silver Fern selection.

"But with my career, I have had all sorts of up and downs so I am not really focusing on that. I am just looking at the National Bank Cup and having a real good solid season with the Diamonds."

Edward, in her fourth year with the Auckland franchise, said she was enjoying being part of a team who included a number of up-and-coming players.

Although they have lost a number of experienced players they still have the reputable defensive duo of Anna Scarlett and Stephanie Bond and Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia.

"Having Anna [Scarlett] come into our team has added some height down the defensive end. She has slotted in very easily and it is good for our shooters to practise against the long, lanky, skinny little arms of Anna Scarlett."

After two rounds the Diamonds have a win and a loss. They face the formidable Force at the North Shore Events Centre on Sunday in a match which is traditionally a ding-dong battle.

"We were quite disappointed we didn't make the final last year," Edward said. "That is our aim for this season, we have been working hard in our buildup to make sure that happens. But in saying that, it's a bit difficult when we have had such an interrupted start already."

Should she not make the Silver Ferns squad, then there is a chance this could be Edward's last season.

She works fulltime as a nurse, and combining her job with netball is taking its toll. She is also keen to travel.

"I am doing a couple of nights at work, which always puts my body under more pressure, which I don't need. I am 29, too old for that sort of carry-on.

"I'll definitely reassess at the end of the year. I haven't made any firm decisions but there are lots of things outside netball I want to do and see."

VICTORIA EDWARD

Born: Lower Hutt, February 3, 1977
Height: 1.77m
Positions: WD, C
Career highlights

2004-05: Silver Ferns squad
2003-06: Auckland/Waitakere Diamonds
2000-02: Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic
1998-99: Otago Rebels