By Sophie Taylor
Another breakout year shouldn’t have been possible, but that’s what defensive powerhouse Sunday Aryang achieved in 2024.
All eyes were on Aryang’s West Coast Fever cohort in 2024 after extensive player turnover compared to their previous season.
And while the entire team shone bright to exceed expectations throughout the season, Aryang was the cherry on top with a new-look role and confidence to match.
That form has bled into the Origin Diamonds environment, where Aryang continued her ball-winning ways and was consistently in starting contention during Australia’s recent test series’.
At only 23 years old and already boasting 34 caps, it’s remarkable to think about what is still ahead for the smooth-moving defender.
Aryang credits her improved form to an adaptation of her own defensive style.
“Over the past year, I've started to look a bit more at that hard one-on-one defence,” she explained.
“Previously I was more of a floater, whereas now I can actually just stay on my player and know the difference between the two.”
As for her general game, Aryang describes it as ‘see ball, get ball’.
“I'm pretty nice on the netball court,” she laughed.
Aryang has played a key role across international and domestic campaigns in 2024.“I'd say my game is elusive, lots of footwork in there.
“But I can be aggressive at the same time, I like to go for ball, and if I see it, I'll take it.”
The Diamonds environment continues to swap and change, but Aryang says the squad continues to provide a great support network, allowing her to continue to shine.
“The girls who were here when I first started and even the new ones coming in, they're such big supporters of mine,” Aryang said.
“I've got a few idols. Julie Corletto, she was someone I remember watching and being really excited by the way she played.
It’s weird to say because she’s still in the environment, but Liz Watson. She demonstrates what an idol should be.”
Like many, Aryang’s favourite netball memory to-date is the Diamonds’ gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
A memorable moment for all, it was especially special for Aryang, being her first major tournament outside of test series’.
“It was my first time in a situation and environment like that,” she said.
“I had family there, and the happiness on everyone's faces when we won…
“I would say that tops off the best moment of my netball career.”
