By JULIE ASH
Nine months after the birth of son Harrison, Canterbury's Julie Seymour is back in the Silver Ferns for this month's series against Australia.
Her inclusion was the only change made to the 12-strong squad who won the Tri-Nations title against Australia and South Africa in June.
Seymour, 30, fills the gap left by Lesley Nicol, who is unavailable because of her medical studies.
Coach Yvonne Willering said Seymour's experience at centre and wing defence made her a logical selection. "We are picking a team to play against Australia ... it isn't about experimentation.
"Julie progressed well in the national championships and played at both centre and wing defence, which certainly came into the equation."
Sheryl Clarke and Victoria Edward could also cover the wing defence position.
"I have got a number of options open to me which is what's good about this team."
After helping Canterbury to win the national provincial championship final against Waikato on Saturday, Seymour said she was "quite surprised" to have made the final 12.
The last time the Silver Ferns played a three-test series against world champs Australia was in 1998 when New Zealand lost 3-0.
The two sides met in this year's tri-series in which New Zealand won the first game 55-40 but lost the second 62-42.
"Australia have always got depth. They have got so many more players to choose from and a lot of players waiting in the wings," Seymour said.
"It is so hard to predict who will win, but it often comes down to the night and the team that plays with the most confidence."
Named player of the world championships in 1999, Seymour first turned out for New Zealand in 1994.
"I knew that when I was pregnant I wanted to get back and play for the Silver Ferns. I wanted to see if I could start my family and play netball at that top level - the hunger is still there.
"I tried to keep relatively fit during my pregnancy, and I think that really helped me in starting my training once Harrison was born."
Temepara George and Irene van Dyk are the other mothers in the team.
"Go the mothers," quipped Seymour, who is still breastfeeding her son.
The tests are in Wellington on October 20, Invercargill on October 24 and Christchurch on October 27.
Southland defender Kylie Young and Waikato shooter Julie Kelman-Poto are the two new caps in the New Zealand A team for an international event in Singapore from October 15-20.
New Zealand A: Angela Evans (Canterbury), Joline Henry (Waikato), Julie Kelman-Poto (Waikato), Amigene Metcalfe (Waikato), Koren Pickard (Waikato), Anna Rowberry (Canterbury), Jodi Te Huna (Wellington), Allison Toi (Counties and Manukau), Anna Veronese (Canterbury), Daneka Wipiiti (Taranaki), Angelina Yates (Otago) and Kylie Young (Southland).
Netball: New mum Seymour ready for Australia
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