- Published:
- Thursday 4 December 2025 at 1:37 pm
The Allan Labor Government is bringing the Australian Diamonds back to Melbourne this summer for a blockbuster night of netball that will draw thousands of fans and visitors to the city.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the world-number-one Diamonds will take on third-ranked Jamaica at John Cain Arena on Wednesday, 11 February, in what could be the series-deciding match of a high-intensity three-game contest.
It marks the first standalone series between the Diamonds and the Sunshine Girls since 2011 – generating huge interest from fans eager to see two of the world’s best go head-to-head.
The match builds on a string of major netball events backed by Visit Victoria, including Constellation Cup clashes against New Zealand, Diamonds games in Bendigo, and a record 15,013-strong crowd at this year’s Super Netball Grand Final at Rod Laver Arena.
Diamonds players including Jo Weston, Liz Watson, Sophie Garbin and Kate Moloney also recently spearheaded a new Visit Victoria ‘Every bit different’ campaign to help drive more visitors to the state.
The content playfully shows players at iconic Victorian experiences, including the ‘Perfect Shot Bit’ showcasing Victoria’s world-class coffee, the ‘Team Huddle Bit’ highlighting the state’s vibrant late-night culture and the ‘Tactical Timeout Bit’ promoting the state’s spa and wellbeing offering.
Tickets for the Australia vs Jamaica game in Melbourne go on sale on Monday, 8 December. For more details or ticketing information, visit the Ticketek website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Our partnership with the Diamonds means more big games, more visitors and more benefits for Victoria – supporting local jobs, filling our hotels and restaurants, and backing the businesses that keep our economy thriving.”
“It’s been a massive run of blockbuster netball in Victoria – game after game bringing fans in and creating real excitement. When it comes to world-class netball there's no better place than Australia's sporting capital."
Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“Diamonds players are loved all over Australia. When they talk about experiences they enjoy in Victoria, people genuinely pay attention and it creates demand for visitors to see those places for themselves.”
Quote attributable to Netball Australia CEO Stacey West
“Finishing the series in Melbourne, a city that has become a significant home for major moments in our international calendar, makes this series even more exciting.”
Quote attributable to Australian Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich
“We haven’t faced the Jamaican brand of netball since the World Cup, so we are very much looking forward to going up against their fast, physical and elusive style of play. It is exactly the type of challenge our group needs heading into 2026.”