QUEENSLAND Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran is one of two Suncorp Super Netball players elevated to the 2022-23 Origin Australian Diamonds squad.
In Bakewell-Doran’s first full season with the Firebirds, the 23-year-old is making a significant impact across all defensive measures and is proving a challenge to opposition.
The squad is selected by Origin Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich and national selectors Anne Sargeant OAM and Michelle Wilkins, with NSW Swifts midcourter Maddy Proud the other player to receive the call-up.
“We have continued to review the performances of players across the Suncorp Super Netball season and in doing so we are happy to confirm that Maddy Proud and Ruby Bakewell-Doran have been included in the Origin Australian Diamonds squad,” Marinkovich said.
“Ruby has been a consistent ball getter across the Suncorp Super Netball competition. We have now had time to see her against multiple opposition and she has been able to hold the standard she brought early in the season. Ruby is an exciting talent, and we believe her attack on the ball and footwork will contribute to the depth of our defence within the squad.”
Queensland Firebirds coach Megan Anderson described Bakewell-Doran’s selection as a “special moment”.
“Ruby has shown an incredible desire to improve this year and has been so keen and eager to take whatever opportunity comes her way and I’ve no doubt she will do the same with this Diamonds opportunity,” Anderson said.
“She’s such a dynamic player with the ability to shut a player down but also turn over the ball. Considering this is her first season at SSN level, this achievement is amazing and I can’t wait to see where her career goes from here.”
The 2022 Commonwealth Games team of 12 athletes will be selected from the Diamonds squad, as well as three reserve athletes.
The Diamonds were crowned champions at the Netball Quad Series in January and are ranked world number one ahead of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games from July 29 to August 9.
