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Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander is confident she has the depth in her world champion side to cover the retirement of some key players heading into their series next month against New Zealand.
With the retirement of veteran defenders Julie Corletto and Bec Bulley, as well as midcourt star Kim Green, six new players have come into the squad for the four-Test Constellation Cup against the Silver Ferns, who they beat in August in the World Cup final.
But Alexander felt those new faces would hold their own.
“We anticipated all three retiring so we’ve been planning for this and working hard with that group underneath so we’re very confident that they’ll step up and do a terrific job,” Alexander said.
Queensland star Clare McMeniman is tipped to cover for Corletto and Bulley, while West Coast’s April Letton will also challenge for a starting bib, with skipper Laura Geitz deciding to postpone retirement to claim the other.
New Zealand shooting star Maria Tutaia has taken extended leave and will miss the series which will weaken their attack however Alexander says they too have enough talent coming through.
“You’re not going to replace Maria Tutaia overnight and she had a sensational World Cup and they definitely missed her last year when we played them in the Constellation Cup series and she didn’t play,” Alexander said.
“However, I think New Zealand work really hard on their depth as well and they’ve probably had more of their juniors out on court during the ANZ Championship than we have so they have the ability to bring them in.”
She thought Ameliranne Wells or Ellen Halpenny would get an opportunity.
Alexander was also wary that it was Silver Ferns’ coach Waimarama Taumaunu’s last series after announcing her plans to step down.
“They’re going to be hungry and wanting to do well to show the New Zealand public that they’re right up there.”
The first Test is on October 22 in Auckland.