The Diamonds showed why they are ranked the world’s best with a dominant 13-goal win over rivals New Zealand in the final Constellation Cup Test on Wednesday night.

The 63-50 victory ensured Australia avoided a historic series whitewash after being blown off court by the Silver Ferns in the opening three matches.

But it was a different Diamonds who turned up in Melbourne as Fox Netball’s Cat Tuivaiti claimed the home side played “possessed”.

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Sophie Garbin was unstoppable with 36 goals at 100%, while down in defence it was the combination of former Fever teammates Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang (four gains each) that provided the biggest win for the Diamonds this series.

Kiera Austin, who bounced back after being dropped for game three, was named MVP for her 27 goals (at 90%), two gains and 16 goal assists.

While the victory came at a time the side was playing only for pride, it has given coach Stacey Marinkovich plenty to ponder heading into 2025.

Despite the loss, New Zealand still claimed just their third Constellation Cup in history by taking the series 3-1.

QUARTER BY QUARTER MATCH REPORT

STARTING SEVEN

Australia: GS Garbin, GA Austin, WA Watson, C Moloney, WD Price, GD Klau, GK Bruce

New Zealand: GS Walmsley, GA Ekenasio, WA Poi, C Gordon, WD Heffernan, GD Burger, GK Jackson

With the Cup now safely New Zealand’s for just the third time in history, Wednesday night’s fourth and final Test was a final chance for Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich to find the right balance.

But once again it was that attack end who threw ball away on the opening whistle, with Sophie Garbin overcooking the pass to Austin.

Turnovers proved costly for the Diamonds as Kate Moloney missed Liz Watson before Kiwi goal shooter Amelia Walmsley – in her first minutes this international campaign – pulled in a big intercept to open up a four-goal buffer for New Zealand.

But two big intercepts to Courtney Bruce ensured Australia levelled the scores at 15-all at the first break.

Grace Nweke entered the match at GS while Maia Wilson came on at goal attack for Kiwi skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio in the first changes in Melbourne.

Diamond Sunday Aryang also saw her first minutes when she came on at goal defence – and had an immediate impact paired with her former West Coast Fever skipper in Bruce.

Two passes flew over Nweke across the baseline, while Aryang pulled in a massive intercept to ensure the Diamonds crept out to a three-goal margin.

Fox Netball’s Cat Tuivaiti said it was a “different Australia” and a team that looked “possessed” in the second term.

Sophie Garbin threw herself at everything as the Diamonds racked up their highest scoring quarter (17) of the series.

At half time, Australia held a 32-26 advantage.

“They decide to show up today,” Tuivaiti said of the Aussies.

The Ferns rung the changes for the third with Ekenasio returning at GA, Kate Heffernan shifting to C, Karin Burger out to WD and young Parris Mason staying in GD.

But still it was Australia who pushed out their lead to double digits – their biggest buffer of the series.

The injection of Claire O’Brien at wing attack couldn’t settle the Kiwi front line as Bruce and Aryang continued to win back ball.

“The Diamonds showing why they are world champions – it’s a bit of a clinic now,” Fox Netball’s Cath Cox praised.

As Australia turned for home, they held an 11-goal buffer – 48-37.

Phoenix Karaka got on for her first minutes of this series at goal defence and had an immediate impact in the final term.

First a deflection and then causing confusion on the centre pass to ensure the ball sailed across the sideline, but a rare Ekenasio miss gifted ball back to Australia.

Turnovers were coming from both tired sides as the minutes counted down on a bruising series.

Walmsley returned to the court in goal attack as the Kiwis started to close within six.

“You can feel the momentum shifting now,” Fox Netball’s Bianca Chatfield said.

Nweke pulled in an absolute monster ball, but when Australia needed someone to stand tall, it was Kiera Austin with the midcourt win.

“She has been the difference tonight for me,” Tuivaiti praised Austin.

And from there, the Aussies never relented to run out 13-goal winners.

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AUSTRALIAN SQUAD – GAME FOUR

Sunday Aryang

Kiera Austin

Courtney Bruce

Sophie Dwyer

Sophie Garbin

Matilda Garrett

Paige Hadley

Georgie Horjus

Sarah Klau

Kate Moloney

Jamie-Lee Price

Liz Watson

KELPIES GET WHITEWASH DONE IN STAR’S FINAL TEST

It was fitting Kelpie Jerome Gillbard landed the final goal in his final Test for Australia as his side ran out 71-39 winners over rivals the Net Blacks.

Gillbard, who announced his decision to walk away from the sport, was clearly emotional at the end of the Test in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

“Jerome is just the ultimate team person,” Kelpies captain Dylan Nexhip said.

“He has been involved in netball for as long as you can remember.

“We all look up to him … he is going to leave a great legacy in this team.”

Gillbard finished with 19 goals in his final match, while Liam Killey (29 goals at 100%) and Brodie Roberts (12 goals at 92%) were also dominant.

The result ensured it was a 4-0 whitewash to the Kelpies over New Zealand – who had limited preparation together as a team leading into the Trans Tasman Series.