Some of the world’s best netballers will descend on Christchurch next month for the 2023 Fast5 Netball World Series.
The Australian side will be looking to defend its title and go back-to-back. While Swifts head coach is not part of the Aussie setup this year, her replacement Nicole Richardson will have help from the Swifts camp in the form of assistant coach Nat Avellino.
In more exciting news for Swifts fans, 2023 stars Sophie Fawns (pictured above) and Teigan O'Shannassy are part of the Australian team.
But standing in their way are a wealth of international superstars. Here's everything you need to know about the event.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS
The top six teams in the world will compete in Christchurch, New Zealand across November 11 and 12.
The Australian women’s team play New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa, and Malawi while the men will square-off with New Zealand and South Africa.
THE AUSSIE LINE UP
Returning to represent Australia for a second series is Lucy Austin, Georgie Horjus and Hannah Mundy as well as last year's reserves Matilda Garrett and Tayla Williams.
Joining the team will be Fawns, O'Shannassy, Tippah Dwan, Ashleigh Ervin and Hannah Petty while Matisse Letherbarrow is a reserve again with Rudi Ellis joining her.
Find out who has been selected on the Australian Men's team here.
RULES REFRESHER
Fast5 is different from traditional netball with matches only 24 minutes long and split into six-minute quarters. There are three different scoring zones with goals shot from outside the goal circle worth three and inside the goal circle split into two and one goal zones.
Each team is only allowed five players on the court at once – they play without a wing attack and wing defence.
Unlimited substitutions are allowed throughout match play from the substitution box.
After a goal is scored, unlike traditional netball, the centre pass is taken by the team who did not score the last goal regardless of whether or not they took the last centre pass.
Both sides get a power play in the final 90 seconds of each quarter making every goal scored worth double.
Meaning a goal from outside the goal circle is worth six. The power play can turn a match around with long bomb specialists able to quickly make up a large score deficit.
SCHEDULE AND WATCH DETAILS
Fans can watch the series live and free on 7Plus. View the Australian fixture below - all times AEDT.
Women Group Stages
- Sat 11 Nov, 10.30am: Australia v Jamaica
- Sat 11 Nov, 2.15pm: Australia v South Africa
- Sat 11 Nov, 6.15pm: Australia v New Zealand
- Sun 12 Nov, 10.45am: Australia v Malawi
- Sun 12 Nov, 1.00pm: Australia v England
Men Group Stages
- Sat 11 Nov, 12.45pm: Australia v South Africa
- Sat 11 Nov, 4.00pm: Australia v New Zealand
Playoffs
- Sun 12 Nov, 3.30pm: Men's 1st v Men's 2nd
- Sun 12 Nov, 4.20pm: 5th v 6th Playoff
- Sun 12 Nov, 5.10pm: 3rd v 4th Playoff
- Sun 12 Nov, 6.00pm: Grand Final
