She didn’t play at all in the Super Netball season, but her peers still voted this Vixens star as the new Australian captain.
The Australian Diamonds have a 25th captain, with mid-court star Liz Watson announced as the new national skipper.
Watson will have Steph Wood as her vice-captain after both were voted into the leadership positions by their teammates and a selection committee comprised of Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich, Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan and former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis.
Watson replaces Caitlin Bassett, who was moved out of the captaincy when Marinkovich took over as coach. After trialling several captains in the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand in March, she has settled on a sole leader.
Despite missing the entire Super Netball season with the Vixens after having surgery on the navicular bone in her foot, Watson, 27, was described by her teammates as a calm and controlled leader who empowers them both on and off the court.
After making her international debut in 2016, Watson won the Liz Ellis Diamond just two years later in 2018 as the best player in Australia.
“I am very humbled and proud to be acknowledged by my teammates,” Watson said.
“I love this sport, I love this team and I love this country. To be given the honour as captain of the Origin Australian Diamonds is something I will forever be thankful for.”
“This squad is so special and there will be many learnings, opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. So many people have been a part of my journey and I am proud that they will be smiling seeing this announcement today.”
Wood, 29, is one of the most creative and agile goalers in the world.
“It is an honour to be named as vice-captain,” Wood said.
“It was a shock when Stacey (Marinkovich) told me, but I am very excited to see what this group can do as we build towards the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup.”
Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich said Watson was an “incredible person, player and leader”.
“And we are thrilled that she will captain the Origin Australian Diamonds,” Marinkovich said.
“Liz’s passion and drive for success is evident and she has a fantastic ability to stay calm while continuing to empower players around her.
“Steph is an ultimate team player and her leadership reflects the type of person she is – she is highly respected and leads by example on the court.
“This streamlined leadership approach has enabled us to gain a thorough understanding of what qualities our squad values in leadership and the players believe Liz and Steph best reflect these.”
Originally published as Netball: Liz Watson named new captain of Australian Diamonds