By Sophie Taylor
2026 has arrived, and with that Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games preparation has officially begun.
Following two successful series wins in the bank last October, the Origin Australian Diamonds are gearing up for three massive battles with Jamaica in February to start their year off with a bang.
Here’s why you can’t miss the Jamaica Series from Feb 5-11.
MARK IT IN THE CALENDAR
While the Diamonds are already preparing for the series, there’s still a few weeks to go before things kick into gear.
First up: Adelaide on Thursday, February 5.
The Adelaide Entertainment Centre has been a staple for the Diamonds over the past two years, with fans showing up in droves for tests against England and South Africa.
With two wins at the venue, the Diamonds will hope to keep that momentum alive to open the Jamaica Series with a bang.
The Diamonds will head to Perth next (Sunday, February 8) with a fire in the belly and a point to prove after a disappointing loss to the Silver Ferns at RAC Arena in 2024.
With a couple home-grown talents in the side and Fever players across both competing teams expect an exciting battle.
The squad will head to Melbourne for the final match of the series on Wednesday, February 11, playing at John Cain Arena for what will hopefully be captain Liz Watson’s 100th appearance in the green and gold.
LOCK IN YOUR TICKETS FOR THE JAMAICA SERIES NOW
Australia and Jamaica last played in the Netball World Cup semi finals in 2023.BIG TESTS ACROSS THE COURT
There are some question marks hovering over the Diamonds leading into this series.
Who comes in for Sunday Aryang and Paige Hadley?
Will the Diamonds test out combinations or prepare a predicted Commonwealth Games squad?
Connections and combinations are more important than ever, making this a crucial time in the Diamonds’ preparation for Glasgow.
But while there are questions over who will be in the squad, player and team form will certainly not be the issue.
The Diamonds’ depth continues to develop, with multiple young players pushing for greater court time.
Fringe players will be putting their best foot forward to challenge for a squad position later this year, while fans will be hoping there’s room to play with new and returning players.
Jamaican goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard will sit out this test after announcing her pregnancy, but there’s still no shortage of Jamaican firepower that will challenge the Aussie defence.
Factor in Jamaica’s defensive prowess and the Diamonds will be challenged in more ways than one.
MILESTONES TO WATCH OUT FOR
Diamonds captain Liz Watson is expected to mark her 100th appearance in the green and gold, sitting on 97 caps and is likely to celebrate the milestone during match three in Melbourne.
If Watson is named and takes the court for all three matches, she will be the first midcourter to mark the achievement, and the first Diamond to become a centurion since former captain Caitlin Bassett in 2019.
While Watson no longer resides in Melbourne, expect the third and final test to be chock full of supporters throughout her journey from junior netball to her national league debut and beyond.
Vice-captain Kate Moloney (48 caps) and goal shooter Cara Koenen (47) are both expected to hit 50 tests for Australia during the series, with Koenen needing 121 goals to reach 1000 and Sophie Dwyer three goals away from 150.
While not a major milestone, Courtney Bruce will become the eighth most capped Diamond if she plays in all three tests.
