By Stephanie Smarrelli
The Aussie Diamonds are leaving the Commonwealth Games with an unfamiliar bronze medal.
But rather than dwelling on the disappointment of missing the gold medal match, they're embracing what they believe is a defining moment for international netball.
Australia's bronze is the side's lowest finish since netball was introduced to the Games, ending a streak of appearances in every gold medal match.
Speaking to media moments after winning bronze - less than 24 hours after their heartbreaking one-goal Semi Final loss to Jamaica - Kiera Austin and Courtney Bruce were already looking beyond the result.
Both recognised Glasgow as a shift in world order, with the gap between the traditional powerhouses and the chasing pack narrower than ever.
“It's huge,” Austin said.
“It's something that's been building for many, many years, we've had the top two nations for so long but now it’s really a top four, top five, even top six.
“South Africa and Uganda were phenomenal at these Commonwealth Games.”
The heartbreak of missing gold hasn't faded, but Austin believes Glasgow showed why the future of international netball is so compelling.
“Netball’s building towards hopefully getting a place in the Olympics in 2032... we want to show that netball is a competitive sport,” she said.
“We want to show that it performs on the world stage and that people are eager and really hungry to watch it.
The Diamonds acknowledged how big their Semi Final loss to Jamaica was in terms of international netball.
“As disappointing as it is for us, it's great for other nations to be pushing and challenging what has been the standard for a really long time.”
Bruce echoed the sentiment.
“If I'm being realistic, world netball is the closest it's ever been,” Bruce said.
“Obviously we wanted to be playing in the gold medal match but it's incredible for the sport that the top five or six nations are so evenly matched.
“It's competitive, it's tough, and that's great for netball.”
The veteran defender believes Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball League has played a major role in accelerating the rise of the rest of the world.
"The league has added a level of depth to the Commonwealth Games that we've never really had before,” she said.
“Playing against these athletes every week, and sometimes having them as teammates, means you learn how they play, what makes them tick and how they approach the game.
“That helps at the international level but more than anything it's making netball a better sport.
“We want it to become a truly global game and keep growing, I'm probably towards the end of my career but I hope in five or ten years' time we'll be playing in even bigger venues and in front of even larger crowds because we're creating a fantastic spectacle for fans.”
But that perspective didn't erase the pain of their Semi Final heartbreak against Jamaica.
Bruce credited SSN for helping raise the competitiveness of international netball.
Austin confessed the emotional challenge of backing up less than 24 hours later for the bronze medal game was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.
“It was the weirdest emotions to deal with,” Austin said.
“All of us were upset, there were tears but to regather ourselves as quickly as we did and go out and put in a performance like we did is something we should be super proud of.
“It's great to know that we're capable of turning things around and performing in such a short space of time.
“It's a very weird mix of emotions, but I’m very proud.”
Bruce agreed the disappointment will take time to process but was adamant there’s no need for wholesale change after a one-goal loss.
“We did a lot of things well in that game, but at this level the big moments matter, and we probably didn't stand up in those moments.
“Right now, we just need a bit of time, tournaments like this take a huge amount out of you both mentally and physically so it will be good to switch off for a while.
“We'll do a thorough review before everyone heads home, but this isn't about ripping everything up and starting again.
“We were still able to produce a performance like that against England, Jamaica's defence in the Semi Final was formidable and we play New Zealand in October and that will be another really important test.
The Diamonds are proud of their performance at the Games.
“From there we'll have a better idea of what we need to keep improving.”
For Bruce, Glasgow won’t define this team; how they respond will.
“Ultimately, I think this puts us in a strong position heading towards a home World Cup,” she said.
“If there's one thing about this group, it's that they'll take this to heart, they'll learn from it, and they'll come back stronger and fitter than ever.”
Imagery provided by Netball Scoop: Jodie Dent images
