Victorian duo to lead Diamonds through to 2027 World Cup

The former Melbourne Vixens teammates will lead the Diamonds in the South Africa series on home soil from Saturday 4 October, before heading into the Constellation Cup against New Zealand, and will remain at the helm as the team builds towards the sport’s pinnacle event in 2027.

Watson has steered the Diamonds on the international stage as the team’s skipper since 2021 and will continue in the role as the team prepares for two pivotal campaigns, while long-time Vixens captain Moloney steps into the vice captaincy role from Paige Hadley, who announced her pregnancy in August.

The Diamonds’ leadership team is determined through a selection process involving the Diamonds squad members and Netball Australia, reflecting the captain's role not only as leader of the team but as a leader of the sport.

Watson and Moloney reunite as leaders after serving as co-captains at the Melbourne Vixens from 2020–2023, which included leading the club to a Suncorp Super Netball championship together in 2020.

“It is a massive honour to be put into the leadership group,” Moloney said.

“To be able to support this group and to be able to support Liz is something I am really excited about.

“I have been a part of the Diamonds environment since 2017, and I’ve always tried to bring those leadership elements to the group.

“Within the Diamonds we always talk about coming in, enjoying it and feeling like you don’t want to leave at the end of it.

“I want to build on those connections that we already have, and I want to be a leader that can lead by action as well as what I am doing off the court to contribute to our success.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming international campaigns, Watson said being re-appointed as captain was an honour made even more special by the chance to share the role with long-time teammate and leader Kate Moloney.

“To be re-selected by my peers and my teammates is important to me, and I am really excited for what’s coming up,” Watson said.

“As captain, I have such an incredible group that it doesn’t feel like it’s just me on this journey.

“Anyone who knows netball knows how much of a leader Kate is across the Vixens and the whole netball community. It’s Kate’s first time in this official role but she’s been part of the leadership of this group for a long time.

“We have exciting squads going into both the South Africa series and Constellation Cup, so there’s a lot of hunger going into October.”

Victorian fans can watch the team in action live on the international stage, with the first match of both series taking place in the state.

• Game 1 vs South Africa - Saturday 4 October
  Red Energy Arena, Bendigo
• Game 1 vs New Zealand - Friday 17 October
  John Cain Arena, Melbourne
• Full schedule and tickets

Every match of the Diamonds’ International Test Series will be available with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.