After claiming gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this year, the Australian Diamonds are now focused on taking back the Constellation Cup from arch-rivals New Zealand.
The four-match series which sees two games played on both sides of the Tasman begins Wednesday night in Auckland. After a less-than-ideal lead-up involving isolations and quarantines, the 2021 series saw the Diamonds lose the title to the Silver Ferns for the first time in almost ten years. This time around the Aussies are much more relaxed and prepared for the job at hand.
But they know they are in for a tough battle against New Zealand, especially on their home turf.
“We just have to focus on what we can do and what we’re here to do,” said Diamond’s defender Sunday Aryang.
“When it comes to winning those away games, we just have to focus on ourselves and bring the energy. We don’t need to listen to the crowd or anything else. As long as we have that communication we will be fine.”
Not having faced them in the Commonwealth Games, it’s been almost nine months since the two nations have come together.
“It has been a while, and I’m expecting that tough New Zealand style of playing, off the body in defence. But I’m looking forward to coming across them again.
Sunday Aryang (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
“We just have to stick to our game plan. We all know what our roles are and we just have to do them. We definitely want to bring it (the trophy) back and I think the fact that we want it so bad will help us get over the line.”
While glad to see the rise in popularity and participation in women’s sport, she admits there is still a lot more that needs to be done to ensure it keeps going in the right direction.
“It has definitely grown, think there’s definitely a lot more work to be done. There is more put in place now to help us try to get to our best. But I think that there’s definitely a lot more to be done but it’s great to see effort being put into the women’s game.”
It’s been an amazing year personally for Aryang. On top of the gold medal in Birmingham, she enjoyed premiership glory with her state team West Coast Fever, and she has now been named as a finalist for the Women’s Health Women in Sport Awards for 2022 in the ‘Young Achiever’ category.
Aryang also became the first African-born woman to represent the Diamonds but is still so humbled and surprised by the nomination.
“It was kind of shocking! I did not expect it,” laughed Aryang.
“I think I’m still kind of shocked about how quickly I’ve been able to achieve goals that have come my way. Definitely a proud achievement of mine. I’m very happy to be nominated. It’s a wonderful honour to receive.”
After all of her achievements this year, bringing back the Constellation cup will be the icing on the cake for this talented defender.
CONSTELLATION CUP DETAILS
Wednesday 12 October
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Men’s curtain-raiser: 3.20pm AEDT
Diamonds v Ferns: 5.30pm AEDT
Sunday 16 October
Trustpower Arena, Tauranga, New Zealand
Diamonds v Ferns, 5.30pm AEDT
Wednesday 19 October
John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Men’s curtain-raiser: 5.15pm AEDT
Diamonds v Ferns: 7.30pm AEDT
Sunday 23 October
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
Diamonds v Ferns: 7.30pm AEDT
Watch live on Fox Netball Ch503 or stream on Kayo
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