**Is the Diamonds’
Troubling Form a or a
Major Setback?**
After suffering a 3-0 defeat in the
Constellation Cup against
New Zealand, Australia’s netball team, the Diamonds, is grappling with a disheartening trend of losses.
“Unfortunately, the Diamonds are becoming accustomed to losing.” These poignant words from Liz Ellis, chair of
Netball Australia’s board, resonate deeply. While they could be interpreted as a harsh critique of the team’s recent 18-goal defeat to New Zealand—which secured the
Silver Ferns an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series—these remarks were actually made back in 2021, following the Diamonds' last loss in the Constellation Cup.
Perhaps those past comments ignited a fire within the team, or it could simply be that the Diamonds were still finding their footing after two years of disruptions due to lockdowns and adjusting to a new coach. Following that challenging period, the Diamonds rebounded spectacularly, clinching gold at the
Commonwealth Games in 2022 and triumphing at the in 2023—both events they had narrowly lost in the previous cycle.
As the Diamonds face their current struggles, the question remains: is this just a temporary setback, or is it a deeper issue that could hinder their path forward?
**Q: What recent event has highlighted the Diamonds' worrying form?**
A: The Diamonds suffered an 18-goal loss to New Zealand in the Constellation Cup, resulting in the Silver Ferns taking an unbeatable 3-0 series lead.
**Q: How did Liz Ellis describe the current state of the Diamonds?**
A: Liz Ellis, the Netball Australia board chair, remarked that "the Diamonds are getting used to losing," indicating a concerning trend for the team.
**Q: What previous successes did the Diamonds achieve after a similar slump in 2021?**
A: After their struggles in 2021, the Diamonds went on to win Commonwealth Games gold in 2022 and the Netball World Cup in 2023, both of which they had narrowly lost in the previous cycle.
**Q: What factors contributed to the Diamonds' performance issues in the past?**
A: The team's performance issues were attributed to being rusty from two years of lockdowns and the time needed to adapt to a new coach.
**Q: Is the current situation for the Diamonds seen as a minor slump or a more serious issue?**
A: The article raises the question of whether the Diamonds' worrying form is just a minor slump or a deeper hole that may be difficult to climb out of, suggesting uncertainty about their future performance.