Netball: Safe, versatile hands guide Games squad

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken rates versatility as a key factor when choosing her side for next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The 12-strong New Zealand squad was named yesterday, with all of the players who beat Australia, Jamaica and Barbados retained.

Adine Wilson will captain the side, which includes 2002 Manchester Games silver medallists Irene van Dyk, Belinda Colling, Anna Rowberry and Vilimaina Davu.

"We were pleased with the way the team progressed in Jamaica and the options we had available to us," Aitken said.

"So we thought we'd stick with them."

She said Waikato defender Joline Henry and Otago midcourter Debbie White were unlucky to miss out.

"We are always going to have unlucky ones but we are really pleased that we have got them in the back row if anything does happen."

The Games will be Aitken's second. She said the Manchester Games highlighted the importance of rotation during the competition - something she feels she did not do well enough last time.

"I was probably a bit naive I suppose. It is really looking to ensure that all your players are really fresh for those big-money games.

"It is just getting a bit smarter in your overall planning for the tournament."

She said the depth of talent in this team should make rotation easier this time.

"The difference between players has reduced and we have a number of strong options open to us. We are really excited and looking forward to working to get to that next level."

The team will now begin a training programme, meeting in groups over the next month, before the first major training camp in mid-January.

The Ferns hope to cross the Tasman in February for matches against club sides, then return to Australia a week before the Games in March along with the New Zealand A team, whom they will train against. 


Games team

New Zealand: Irene van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna, Maria Tutaia, Belinda Colling, Anna Rowberry, Adine Wilson, Temepara George, Laura Langman, Anna Scarlett, Casey Williams, Vilimaina Davu, Leana de Bruin.