Firebird trio off to Delhi
Monday, 30 August 2010
Laura Geitz, Lauren Nourse and Natalie Medhurst
MISSION Queensland Firebirds Laura Geitz, Lauren Nourse and Natalie Medhurst have been announced in Norma Plummer’s Delhi Dozen and will form the team that will represent Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The team was announced this morning following the Diamonds securing a world number one ranking after defeating New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in the first of three test games.
All three Firebirds have been part of the 2010 Australian Netball Diamonds and successful competed in the Holden Test Series against both Jamaica and New Zealand.
They will join Rebecca Bulley, Catherine Cox, Susan Fuhrmann, Mo’onia Gerrard, Kimberlee Green, Renae Hallinan, Sharelle McMahon, Susan Pratley and Natalie con Bertouch and will travel to Delhi to compete in the Commonwealth Games in October.
Monday’s announcement comes following an intense selection process.
The team will be led by captain Sharelle McMahon who will be competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games.
Head Coach Norma Plummer said that the selection process had been a gruelling one but the team has a great blend of experience, youth and skills.
“We’ve got some experienced internationals and some coming in with just a few caps,” Plummer said.
“What pleases me most is the blend of the team and the way the players complement each other on the court.”
The Australians have won two of a possible three Commonwealth Games gold medals, missing only on the Melbourne gold, and are currently ranked number one in the world.
ACGA Chief Executive Officer Perry Crosswhite said Australia won the first two Games gold medals in 1998 and 2002 while finishing second in 2006.
“I’m sure the team will be very determined to win gold in Delhi,” Perry said.
“Obviously New Zealand will be our biggest threat but you can’t dismiss the likes of Jamaica and England who are expected to be stronger than ever this year.”
With just one month to go, the Australian team will have their final hit out against New Zealand this week in Wellington (September 2) and Auckland (September 5).
The squad will then head to Kuala Lumpur for a pre-Games training camp before departing for Delhi on September 27.