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Commonwealth Games 2022: Australia overcome Jamaican challenge to claim nation’s 1000th gold medal

Mitchell Woodcock & Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
VideoDiamonds win Australia's 1000th Comm Games gold medal.

The Diamonds exacted revenge on Jamaica in the best possible way, winning a thrilling final to land Australia its 1000th all-time Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Australia entered the clash with plenty of question marks after tasting defeat at the hands of the Sunshine Girls just three nights earlier.

But Stacey Marinkovich showed why she is the woman to lead the Diamonds as coach, with her tactical nous proving the difference to claim a 55-51 win in Birmingham.

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Aussie players embraced one another in emotional scenes on the final whistle as the reality of the gold sunk in.

Australia's Sarah Klau, left, and Sunday Aryang celebrate.
Camera IconAustralia's Sarah Klau, left, and Sunday Aryang celebrate. Credit: Mike Egerton/AP
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It meant gold for WA duo Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang, with the former playing a key role in helping shut down Jamaica’s potent attack.

Sharpshooter Gretel Bueta starred with 37 goals at a perfect clip to help Australia ensure there would be no repeat of Jamaica’s come-from-behind win three days prior.

“It was a ripper of a game,” Bueta said.

“Jamaica are growing and growing with every outing, so they pushed us to our limit.

“But the girls and I are absolutely stoked. It means so much to us.”

VideoAussie Diamonds booed by ruthless England fans.

Bueta said it was a special privilege to have secured Australia’s milestone gold medal.

“I do think this is a special team that’s won the 1000th, I really do,” she said.

“Most of us have come on a journey together since 2013 playing in under 21s together.

“We’ve got a few silvers along the way and we knew we were always capable of it and tonight we proved it to each other and tonight we got that gold.

“We love representing our country, we love singing our Australian song after the game - and playing here in Birmingham has been an incredible journey for us.”

Gretel Bueta
Camera IconGretel Bueta hugs Courtney Bruce. Credit: AAP

Australia began well, but Bueta and Steph Wood and their midcourt struggled with the athleticism of Jamaican defenders Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson.

As both teams struggled for ascendency, Marinkovich made two big changes on the verge of half-time.

She benched vice-captain Wood and sent Bueta to her normal position of goal attack, with Cara Koenen (15 goals from 15 attempts) on the court in shooter.

Gretel Bueta flies for a ball.
Camera IconGretel Bueta flies for a ball. Credit: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

It disrupted the defensive duo of Jamaica, who couldn’t use their strengths to stop the Australians.

In defence, goalkeeper Bruce was moved off West Coast Fever teammate Jhaniele Fowler and sent to goal defence, with Sarah Klau sent to do the biggest job in netball.

It freed up Bruce to put pressure up the court and Klau’s footwork was excellent in putting pressure on the feed to Fowler.

The moves worked to perfection and midway through the third term Australia led by as much as 10 goals and looked to have sealed up another netball gold medal.

As they had in the pool match, Jamaica wouldn’t go away and began to pile the pressure back on Australia, drawing within four goals midway through the final term.

Australian skipper Liz Watson evades an opponent.
Camera IconAustralian skipper Liz Watson evades an opponent. Credit: Stephen Pond/Getty Images

But Australia overcame some nervy moments to hold their composure and secure the much-vaunted gold.

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