Former City West Falcons midcourter Liz Watson has been named in the Australian Diamonds’ Commonwealth Games team.
Watson, who was in the extended squad for the last games but missed out on final selection, was named in the team this week.
Having made her Diamonds debut 2016, Watson has become a key member of the Australian set up.
She was one of the stars of the Diamonds Constellation Cup win against New Zealand late last year.
Falcons’ coach Marg Lind said seeing former players selected in competitions like this showed the importance of programs like the Falcons.
Watson played with the Falcons until 2014, when the Melbourne Vixens selected her as a replacement for a pregnant Elissa Kent.
She quickly established her spot in the team and won the Vixen’s best and fairest award last season.
“To take someone from juniors through to the elite level is pleasing,” Lind said.
“We’ve had a number of the squad come through us. Tegan Caldwell, Kate Moloney and Emily Mannix were all part of the [Australian] squad in the lead up.
“It’s pleasing to see and we wish Liz well.”
Lind said the fact so many Falcons players were in the mix showed the development of netball in Melbourne’s west.
“We’re starting to see the rewards for investing in the west,” she said.
“It’s a big tick to Altona netball, who supported us with our move from Broadmeadows.
“They were interested in us and can’t thank them enough.”
PHOTO BY DARREN HOWE
