The return of vice-captain Irene van Dyk could not prevent the Silver Ferns losing to Australia 44-41 in Melbourne.

Cathrine Latu last night gave a glimpse of what the post-Irene van Dyk era will look like for the Silver Ferns - and it's not all bad.

No athlete should claim to be bigger than the game, but last night Irene van Dyk was.