NSW Swifts champion defender Sarah Klau has been named in the 12-strong Australian Diamonds team that will chase back-to-back gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
After winning gold in Birmingham, Klau will play in her second Comm Games in Scotland under the leadership of captain Liz Watson who will once again lead the side.
Defenders Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce have been selected for their third Games campaigns, adding invaluable experience and stability to the Diamonds’ defensive end.
Shooter Cara Koenen, midcourter Kate Moloney and attacker Kiera Austin have also been named in the team, all of whom were part of the gold medal winning team in Birmingham.
The squad features five Comm Games debutants in Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus and Jamie-Lee Price, reflecting the continued evolution of the Australian Diamonds performance program and the strength of Netball Australia's pathways.
Head coach Stacey Marinkovich said the selection reflects both current form and long-term development, with the group chosen to meet the demands of a fast, physical and highly competitive international tournament.
“The Commonwealth Games is one of the pinnacle events for our sport. The team brings together proven experience and exciting new talent including five Commonwealth Games debutants,” Marinkovich said.
“The Australian Netball Team has an incredible history competing at the Commonwealth Games, and this team is ready to contribute to that legacy.
“We are proud of the depth in Australian netball and confident this group is ready to compete at the highest level.”
Australian Team Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY said the selection of the Diamonds for Glasgow 2026 is a proud moment for the Australian Team.
“The Diamonds have built a remarkable Commonwealth Games legacy, and this team embodies the excellence, resilience and pride that have defined the green and gold for generations,” Thomas said.
“This group has earned the opportunity to represent Australia on one of their sport’s biggest stages, and I know they will do so with great pride as they look to defend their Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow.”
Australia leads the all-time medal tally for Netball at the Commonwealth Games having won four gold medals, including most recently at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, securing Australia’s 1000th Commonwealth Games gold medal in the process.
The 12 teams in Glasgow are divided into two groups of six and each team plays every other team in their pool in the group phase. The top two teams in each pool advance to the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners play off for gold, while the two losers play for bronze.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August. Netball events will take place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), at the Hydro from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 2 August.
AUSTRALIAN TEAM
- Kiera Austin (Melbourne Vixens/NSW)
- Courtney Bruce (Sunshine Coast Lightning/WA)
- Sophie Dwyer (Giants Netball/NSW)
- Sophie Garbin (Melbourne Vixens/WA)
- Matilda Garrett (Adelaide Thunderbirds/VIC)
- Georgie Horjus (Adelaide Thunderbirds/SA)
- Sarah Klau (NSW Swifts/SA)
- Cara Koenen (Sunshine Coast Lightning/QLD)
- Kate Moloney (Melbourne Vixens/VIC)
- Jamie-Lee Price (Melbourne Mavericks/NSW)
- Liz Watson (Sunshine Coast Lightning/VIC)
- Jo Weston (Melbourne Mavericks/VIC)
RESERVES
- Jessie Grenvold (Melbourne Mavericks/SA)
- Amy Parmenter (Melbourne Mavericks/NSW)
- Donnell Wallam (Sunshine Coast Lightning/WA)
