She partners two of the world's greatest shooters but it's only a matter of time before Giants Netball star Kiera Austin earns her place on the international stage.
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As Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett ponders her international future she's taken Giants teammate Austin under-her-wing to pass on the shooting patch.
And there's no better way to prepare for her Diamonds' bid under coach Julie Fitzgerald and with two experienced mentors in Bassett and England veteran Jo Harten.
"Julie [Fitzgerald] and [Bassett] have confidence in me to be at the next World Cup," Austin admitted.
"Bassett knows where the Diamonds future is and knows which players can fill those roles.
"She's kind of taken me under her wing and is showing me the right steps to get a spot in the green-and-gold dress.
"She pushes me enough to give me an indication there's people looking at me and I have the potential to be where she has been and all that jazz."
It's been a whirlwind 18-months since the 21-year-old made her Super Netball debut last year.
Austin quickly established herself as one of Super Netball's rising stars and even caught the attention of national selectors.
She was lost for words when she was called into the Australian squad as a replacement player for the injured Bassett at the northern Quad Series earlier this year. But Austin struggled to place herself within the Diamonds environment with only one domestic season under her belt.
"It was a nice reminder that I do have the potential to be there and it's a goal of mine down the track," Austin said.
"My goal was to play more domestic netball this year so I felt like I earned the role with the Diamonds."
Austin has since become a Giants regular this season, changing between the mid-court and shooting circle.
She replaced Kim Green as wing-attack in last week's victory over the Collingwood Magpies, before partnering Bassett at goal-attack for the final quarter.
Austin could get another chance to shine in the goal-circle when the Giants take on the winless Queensland Firebirds at the AIS on Sunday.
The Canberra clash is the Giants' best opportunity to claim maximum points and solidify their position in the top-four as the finals draw near.
Austin believes the contest will be a 'battle of the talls' with four international shooters on court.
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"Gretel Tippett is obviously a key player and [Romelda] Aiken has come back from her injury with a bit more fire in her belly," Austin said.
"But [Bassett] and [Harten] have been building a solid connection and figuring out what works between them.
"It'll be a game of the shooting circles so hopefully we can shut down Tippett and Aiken. We're not going to underestimate the Firebirds, they're desperate for a win but so are we. It'll definitely be a tight contest."
Giants Netball hold an undefeated record in the capital and are on the verge of selling out tickets for Sunday's clash.
"We love playing in Canberra and hopefully we can get the win," Austin said.
"Canberra fans are always excited to see us and have faith in our ability, it's very unique."
SUPER NETBALL
Round 11: Giants Netball v Queensland Firebirds at AIS Arena, Sunday 1pm
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
