Melbourne will welcome the Australian Diamonds home after their 2023 Netball World Cup campaign for the first game of the 2023 Constellation Cup, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Victorian netball fans will have the chance to see their heroes battle it out with their famous New Zealand rivals – the Silver Ferns – at John Cain Arena on Thursday, 12 October.
The Diamonds, captained by Victorian star Liz Watson, last played in Melbourne in front of a sold-out crowd in the 2022 Constellation Cup game at John Cain Arena. They went on to win the 2022 Constellation Cup for the 10th time.
The Australian Diamonds are supported by a major sponsorship from Visit Victoria that helps to promote the nation’s sporting capital by delivering netball events across Victoria, as well as ambassadorships, branding on uniforms, training camps and community engagement.
Netball boasts the highest level of participation among young women for any sport in Australia. As one of the nation’s most popular national teams, the Diamonds are an inspiration for women and girls across all levels of the sport.
As excitement builds towards the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games, events like the Constellation Cup provide an opportunity for fans to cheer on Australian teams in action.
The Constellation Cup joins a blockbuster calendar of sporting events in Melbourne including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, F1 Australian Grand Prix and Bledisloe Cup.
In 2022, the Labor Government delivered a record year of major events with 6.9 million attendees to sporting, music, arts and cultural events across the state.
The Government’s commitment to secure the best major events has boosted the visitor economy to $31.5 billion – equal to 97 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Victorians love the Diamonds and we’re bringing them back to the home of netball for another massive game against the Silver Ferns at John Cain Arena.”
“We back major events like the Constellation Cup because they showcase our sporting heroes, attract visitors to Melbourne and support local jobs.”
As stated by Australian Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich
“We love playing in Australia in front of a home crowd. We hope to see John Cain Arena sold out when we host the Silver Ferns in Melbourne in what is known as one of the greatest rivalries in elite sport.”
