QUEENSLAND Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran has her sights set even higher in 2023 on the back of playing for the Australian Diamonds in the recent Constellation Cup against New Zealand.
After an impressive first full Suncorp Super Netball season with the Firebirds, Bakewell-Doran’s rise continued when she became Australian Diamond #188 in game two of the series against the Silver Ferns in Tauranga.
The 23-year-old made a second appearance in the game three win in Melbourne before Australia clinched the trophy with a four-point victory on the Gold Coast.
That experience came just weeks after witnessing Australia’s gold medal triumph at the Commonwealth Games as a training partner in the Diamonds’ squad - alongside Firebirds teammates Donnell Wallam and Gretel Bueta.
The exposure to the highest level of the game has Bakewell-Doran believing she’ll return to the Firebirds ready and raring to take on the season ahead.
“Being in this environment, you realise how much more you still have to learn,” Bakewell-Doran said.
“To be able to go away and continue to learn and grow from my recent experience at this level is super exciting - I'm really looking forward to what's to come."
Having almost given up netball after suffering an ACL injury as a teenager, Bakewell-Doran said it was hard to put into words what it felt like to make her debut in the green and gold.
“The whole experience was unreal,” she said.
“You sort of big the moment up in your head but once you actually get out on court, you realise it's just another game of netball.
“It wasn't until after the game that I felt like I got to soak it all up - it was a blur of nerves and excitement and adrenaline, but I wouldn't change it for the world."
The ACU Brisbane North Cougars product will enjoy a short break following her international exploits before linking up with the rest of the Firebirds squad as they ramp up preparations for 2023 under new Head Coach Bec Bulley – a former Diamonds defender herself.
