Source : ABC NEWS
Diamonds netballer Sarah Klau has retained her spot in Australia’s Constellation Cup squad after pleading guilty to assault.
Klau was included in the 14-player squad named on Tuesday, less than a week after the goalkeeper was sanctioned by Netball Australia (NA).
The 31-year-old was handed a $5,000 fine and a two-match ban — suspended for 12 months — by the sport’s national governing body.
Klau had fronted Downing Centre Court earlier this month, facing a common assault charge.
She had allegedly kicked a security guard in the back outside a pub in Sydney’s eastern suburbs when she was denied entry due to being too intoxicated.
The NSW Swifts player had reportedly attended a Sydney Swans AFL match a day after an ongoing leg injury ruled her out of the remainder of the Super Netball season.
Klau, who has represented Australia on 67 occasions since her Diamonds debut in 2019, failed to disclose the matter to NA before the Commonwealth Games in July, resulting in the sanctions.
Sophie Dwyer also retained her spot in the Diamonds squad, looking for a chance to find redemption after missing an after-the-siren shot in the Commonwealth Games semifinal loss to Jamaica.
Dwyer was left on the bench in Australia’s bronze-medal win over England in Glasgow.
The core of coach Stacey Marinkovich’s squad remains the same from the Games, with Jo Weston unavailable for selection.
Jessie Grenvold, Amy Parmenter and Donnell Wallam return to the side after travelling to Glasgow as reserves.
Grenvold is yet to make her Diamonds debut after earning her maiden call-up in May following a breakout season in defence for the Melbourne Mavericks.
The Constellation Cup begins on October 18, with the Diamonds travelling to Auckland to take on the Commonwealth Games champions.
Diamonds squad: Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Jessie Grenvold, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Amy Parmenter, Jamie-Lee Price, Donnell Wallam, Liz Watson
AAP
