By Henry Milic
Adelaide Thunderbirds 2023 premiership player Matilda Garrett capped of a stellar year on Wednesday night, becoming Australian Diamond #191.
The Diamonds wasted no time getting the jump over the South African Spar Proteas in Cairns, taking a commanding 62-43 win in game one of the series.
Australia were too strong offensively, scoring seven unanswered goals in the first quarter and continued to apply scoreboard pressure in the last, extending the margin to 19.
The Cinderella story of the night belonged to 25-year-old Garrett as she made her debut for her country, making her Diamond #191 and etching her name in the history books.
Garrett took to court in goal defence at the start of the second half and wasted no time, recording two intercepts, two deflections and played a major role transitioning the ball through court with five centre pass receives.
Speaking post-game, Garrett said she was grateful for all the support she received both on and off the court.
“I just can’t believe how much love I felt from not only the girls on the court but everyone back home in Adelaide and Melbourne, it was a dream come true,” Garrett said.
“It was a great game and I feel like when you first get out there you just want to try and do everything that you can, and I think all the nerves made everything elevated.”
Garrett’s debut is the another feather in her cap for 2023, coming off a premiership Suncorp Super Netball season with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
“To win a premiership and then to top it off by receiving the call from Stacey to join the Diamonds, which I just never thought would ever happen, is absolutely crazy,” Garrett said.
Australian Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich had high praise for the debutant, stating Garrett earnt her spot on the court.
“To be able to embrace that moment, I think she has earned the dress… you step out there and you take your chances, and she left her mark on the court,” Marinkovich said.
The series will now move to Hobart, with matches to be played on Sunday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 31.
All matches will be broadcast live and FREE via Kayo Sports Freebies, as well as through Fox Sports.
Garrett will return in the green and gold again next month, when she joins five of her 2023 Thunderbirds teammates in the Australian Fast5 side.
The defender has been selected to represent her country at the Fast5 Netball World Series, alongside Lucy Austin, Georgie Horjus, Hannah Petty and Tayla Williams.
Read all about their selections HERE.
