Australia’s netball team secured an impressive victory over South Africa with an 11-goal margin in the opening match of the South Africa Series on March 15, 2024. The match showcased the depth of talent on both sides, highlighting the competitive spirit of the world-ranked number five Proteas on Australian soil.
Matilda Garrett made a notable impact in her limited time on the court. The young defender, who debuted against South Africa in 2023, contributed significantly during her 20 minutes of play. She recorded two intercepts and two deflections, demonstrating her defensive prowess, particularly in a challenging two-on-one situation within the shooting circle. Her performance comes as Australian defenders vie for spots in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and it certainly caught the attention of Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich.
“Garrett’s footwork around the body to manipulate the hesitation and doubt in the feeder’s mind has been superb,” said former Diamond Madi Browne. “You want to show that versatility. Can you play goal defender, on a tall shooter, in a moving circle – what are those extra attributes that you can show?”
Marinkovich praised Garrett’s ability to make quick impacts, noting her three swift intercepts during the game. “I thought she played her game really, really well,” she added.
The competition for defensive positions is heating up. With Sunday Aryang sidelined for this series, the pressure is on the remaining defenders, including Garrett, to prove themselves. Aryang is expected to return for the Constellation Cup, replacing veteran Jo Weston, making the selection for the Commonwealth Games a challenging decision for Marinkovich.
South Africa, despite their loss, showcased resilience. Coach Jenny van Dyk expressed confidence in her team’s performance, highlighting a strong showing outside of a poor second quarter. “It’s never easy – it shouldn’t be easy playing Australia in Australia,” van Dyk noted. “Everything that did go wrong was mostly in that second quarter… We always go for the win. We’ll never participate in anything and not want to win.”
The full-time statistics revealed South Africa’s competitive edge in several areas. They recorded a 9% difference in centre pass to goal rate and had a better gains to goal rate compared to Australia. However, they struggled with turnover to goal rate, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.
In a standout performance, Courtney Bruce, at 31, showed that age is just a number. After recovering from persistent soft tissue injuries, she made her presence felt on the court, earning MVP honors with eight gains, including four intercepts and two rebounds. “To get out there and be able to have the strength in the contest… is an absolute credit to the work she’s done behind the scenes,” Marinkovich remarked.
Bruce, who has focused on rehabilitation with specialists, expressed relief and excitement about her return to form. “I’ve done a lot of rehab and spoken to a lot of specialists about how I can use my calves and feet more effectively,” she stated.
South African goalkeeper Nicola Smith also impressed during the match, matching Bruce with four intercepts. As she looks towards future opportunities in the Australian league, Smith expressed enthusiasm for her teammate Elmere van der Berg, who will join the Adelaide Thunderbirds. “I told her: ‘You are ready for this’,” Smith said, showing support for her friend’s move.
Former Diamonds player Caitlin Thwaites highlighted the potential impact of van der Berg in the Super Netball competition, warning rivals of her skills. “Imagine the likes of a Georgie Horjus playing out the front of an Elmere van der Berg,” she said.
As the series progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Australia aiming to solidify its dominance and South Africa seeking to break its losing streak against the Diamonds. The anticipation for the next match is palpable as players and fans alike look forward to more thrilling displays on the netball court.
