Cover Image: Aliesha Vicars
“New Zealand Silver Ferns win the Constellation Cup, 3-1”
The Silver Ferns wrap up the Constellation Cup in test 3, 2024. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
RESULTS
Test 3 – Perth: NZ 61 def AUS 43
NZ
Grace Nweke 47/50 (94%)
Ameliaranne Ekenasio 14/17 (82%)
Total: 61/67 (91%)
AUS
Sophie Garbin 26/28 (93%)
Sophie Dwyer 14/20 (70%)
Cara Koenen 3/7 (43%)
Total: 43/55 (78.2%)
MVP: Kate Heffernan (20 Centre Pass Receives, 5 Goal Assists, 3 Pickups, 1 Intercept)
—
Test 4 – Melbourne: Aust 63 def NZ 50
NZ
Grace Nweke: 25/26 (96%)
Ameliaranne Ekenasio: 11/14 (77%)
Amelia Walmsley: 9/11 (82%)
Maia Wilson: 5 /6 (83%)
Total: 50/57 (88%)
AUS
Sophie Garbin: 36/36 (100%)
Keira Austin: 27/30 (90%)
Total: 63/66 (95%)
MVP: Kiera Austin (23 feeds, 23 centre pass receives, 2 gains)
—
Diamonds and Silver Ferns 2024. Image Aliesha Vicars.
MATCH SUMMARIES
Test 3 – RAC Arena (Perth/Boorloo)
Dominant and clinical, the New Zealand Silver Ferns brushed aside a closely contested first half to dominate the Australian Diamonds by a whopping 18 goals and take the Constellation Cup for the third time in 14 attempts, 61-43.
The Australian Diamonds’ start was much stronger in test 3, as their attacking end used better ball speed to break the defensive structure of the Ferns. The defensive trio of Jamie Lee Price, Sarah Klau and Courtney Bruce worked hard to smother their opponents, and picked up four gains in the first quarter alone. It forced some uncharacteristic turnovers from the Silver Ferns as they had to work hard to penetrate their midcourt.
However, the Silver Ferns went into another gear during the second half and broke the Diamonds’ attacking and defensive structures into pieces. On attack, Maddy Gordon and Kimiora Poi increased their speed to create clear passing lines, allowing for Grace Nweke and Amelieranne Ekenasio to draw the defence into one-on-one battles and for easy feeds to go in.
Across 60 minutes of netball, the defensive quartet of Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Karin Burger and Kelly Jackson outclassed the world champion’s attacking end. They generated 22 turnovers, 13 deflections, 11 gains, 6 intercepts and 3 defensive rebounds, while their downcourt transition was unstoppable.
Despite playing at wing defence, MVP Kate Heffernan’s attacking game was a standout as she had the highest centre pass receives on court (20), 5 goal assists and generated zero turnovers despite all her feeds coming from the transverse line and beyond. She combined this with 2 deflections, 1 gain, 1 intercept and sent Captain Liz Watson to the bench for the second test in a row.
One of the few bright spots for Australia, was Georgie Horjus becoming Diamond number 193.
Kate Heffernan’s long court transition was brilliant. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
Test 4 – John Cain Arena (Melbourne/Narrm)
How does a 31 goal turnaround happen? We’re not sure, but the Australian Diamonds were able to finish the series on a high note, putting together a strong performance to defeat the Silver Ferns by 13 goals (63-50). It was a huge turnaround after three disappointing games, with some of the Diamonds’ big names stepping up.
The Silver Ferns opted to try different combinations down the attacking end to kick off Test 4. Amelia Walmsley got the start in goal shooter, supported by Silver Ferns captain Ameliaraane Ekenasio out at goal attack. With the pair in the circle and less dominance in the air via Grace Nweke, the Ferns opted to work the ball around using shorter passes until it got to the shooters in the ring.
With scores level at the start of the second term, the Silver Ferns brought on Nweke for a more direct option to post, but it was the Diamonds who went up a gear. Sunday Aryang took over the goal defence bib, and helped to force the turnovers that Australia were chasing. She partnered smoothly with former Fever teammate Courtney Bruce, with the pair able to reduce the influence of the New Zealand shooters and finish with four gains apiece. To be able to beat the Silver Ferns so convincingly with Nweke in the line for 45 minutes will do wonders for the Australian defenders’ confidence.
Kate Moloney, who returned to the match day squad, was a real leader in the midcourt as she lifted teammates around her. She was first to every loose ball, especially in the attacking third, while also controlling the middle channel.
Sophie Garbin and Keria Austin set the tone early in attack, working their combination smoothly. Garbin was on fire under the post, shooting at 100 per cent accuracy, while Austin’s performance – shooting 27/30 and pulling in two gains – saw her named MVP of the match.
The Silver Ferns managed to get court time into all of their twelve players, including crucial alternative options at goal shooter and attack. It was Ekenasio’s benching for 26 minutes of the game that perhaps had the most impact on her side’s form. While Maia Wilson and Amelia Walmsley were both viable alternatives, Ekenasio is simply a class above most players.
Sophie Garbin gives herself space under the post in test 3. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
WHAT WORKED
In test three the Silver Ferns showed the value of having a strong game plan and being able to stick to it. Wing defence Kate Heffernan took 20 centre pass receives via the back door, more than any other player on court, allowing her side to flood forwards in attack. She, along with goal defence Karin Burger and centre Maddy Gordon, were also particularly active in setting up sublime full court transition. They were able to move the ball far too quickly, with minimal opposition, to allow the Diamonds circle defenders any time to set up against them.
In the fourth test, the Silver Ferns were still able to go via their wing defence on 15 centre pass occasions, but were made to work much harder for those opportunities. Australia were also able to apply more defensive pressure against long court transition, slowing the ball down and giving their defenders more of a chance to look at the ball.
