By Sophie Taylor
With a new year comes fresh expectations, especially with two major competitions growing nearer.
So with that, the Origin Australian Diamonds began the year with a bang heading straight into a training camp off the back of a busy holiday period.
The Diamonds spent two valuable weeks at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) with the aim to connect ahead of another big year of netball action.
Packed full of court and strength sessions and a memorable boxing session with Australian Olympic Boxer Monique Suraci, the squad was put through their paces.
Diamonds vice-captain Paige Hadley said the camp was a valuable opportunity to regroup without test matches on the horizon.
“Usually, this time of year we're preparing to go overseas, so it’s nice to actually be a full squad together and spend an ample amount of time together leading into what's going to be a pretty hectic few years,” Hadley said.
“Lots of conditioning and skills focus, trying to get locked in for the year ahead.”
Conditioning was a key part of January's camp.The full 23-player squad was in attendance over the course of the 14-day camp, providing players and staff the opportunity to reconnect both on and off the court.
“We’re in different clubs most of the year, so we don't get to spend heaps of time together,” Hadley said.
“Having a bit of down time and then getting back into it, it's always nice spending time with each other.
“It's a massive challenge being in this environment, but it’s good to start this year on a really good note and see what I can do in 2025.”
Goal shooter Cara Koenen agreed, explaining the camp focus was to continue to fine tune and improve off the back of 2024.
“It's a great way to kick off 2025,” Koenen said.
“Not heading into any games, this camp gives us a good chance to focus on ourselves.
“It's a good opportunity for us to really refine our game plan, focus on our values as a team, and really make sure we're continuing to build those connections.”
The Diamonds bonded in a different kind of ring with Olympian Monique Suraci.Koenen touched on the importance of bringing the full squad together, especially with the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2027 Netball World Cup on the horizon.
“We have such an amazing group with lots of experience and lots of young up and coming new faces with a whole heap of energy,” she said.
“Everybody brings something really unique and different (to the squad) and I think it's awesome that we're able to build these connections heading into what will be a pretty hectic few years in terms of our Diamonds calendar.”
