The Diamonds will step onto Christchurch Arena as something of the unknown, for the Stacey Marinkovich era brings with it a new roster, captaincy overhaul, plus a fortnight's quarantine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But Australia's expectations for the national team stays the same, so says former Diamond Vicki Wilson ahead of next month's Constellation Cup.
Indeed, the Diamonds enter the four-match series against New Zealand with an ambition to claim their eighth successive title.
Who will lead that charge on court is yet to be known, with Marinkovich and Netball Australia using the tour to trial all captaincy options before settling on a permanent appointment.
"It's not something I would adopt as a coach, but I suppose we'll have to wait and see," Wilson said.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
"I'm a firm believer in looking for good leadership qualities in players, you're clear about what you want. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out.
"I'm unsure of what their performance is going to look like. What we hope is they come together, can gel, and find some great rhythm and tempo.
"It's going to be very challenging, particularly coming out of quarantine. We all sit here and hold our breath, but we have great expectations of the Diamonds that's for sure."
Wilson, who led the Diamonds to their first Commonwealth Games gold medal in 1998, recently joined the Sunshine Coast Lightning as an assistant coach for the Super Netball season.
She's in Canberra this weekend, working with the Capital Spirit's shooters as part of a specialist training block for the NSW Premier League side.
"The challenge is always about increasing the tools in your toolkit," Wilson said.
"You want players to be adaptable on court and handle any style of defence.
"The game as we see it, we know we need the movement required in the circle, the combination with the goal attack, working as a unit and being able to use your body to protect space. And of course, don't forget the shot - the all important thing we need to win a game.
"It was great to be able to get on court with Kate [Carpenter], Jill McIntosh and the Spirit girls, it's always about trying to develop more learning opportunities for them and developing their skill set."
The Spirit will launch their second Premier League campaign on Wednesday, April 14, at Netball Central in Homebush.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
