Two local junior netballers starred in a national campaign alongside their netball heroes from the Origin Australian Diamonds.
The Origin television advertising campaign was focused on inspiring the next generation of players and led up to the Constellation Cup between the Origin Australian Diamonds and the New Zealand Silver Ferns.
Lake Macquarie players Ella Smith from the Wangi Waves and Dakodah Mariri of Morisset Netball Club were chosen to appear alongside Liz Watson, Jo Weston, Courtney Bruce, Gabi Simpson and coach Stacey Marinkovic.
Ella said she was very excited to have been selected to star alongside her childhood heroes.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from Origin asking me to be a part of the campaign,” Ella said.
“I’ve been watching the Diamonds ever since I was a little girl, so it’s pretty amazing to think I’ll be starring alongside them on TV.”
The campaign saw Ella and Dakodah with several other junior netballers in their uniforms looking up to their Origin Australian Diamond heroes before embracing in solidarity.
Many of the Origin Australian Diamond netball players were thrilled to be apart of the campaign as well, with Gabi Simpson highlighting the importance of supporting young athletes.
“Growing up, I would have loved this opportunity, so it’s really exciting to connect with the next generation of Origin Australian Diamonds,” Simpson said.
“Netball is at the core of many Australian communities, so it’s a privilege to be able to connect with young players to share some of my own experiences in the hope that they will be inspired to continue with the sport.”
The Constellation Cup tournament was held in New Zealand from March 2 to 7, with New Zealand taking the win and beating the Australian Diamonds 45-43 in the fourth test.
Information source: Media release, Feb 26, Origin Energy