Cover Image: Danny Dalton/Tah Dah Sports
Tilly Garrett was surprised by just one thing when she joined the Australian netball squad a few years ago – how supportive members were of each other’s successes. In the cutthroat world of sport they were still ultra-competitive, but at the same time genuinely welcomed newcomers to the group.
Garrett said, “Something the Diamonds do really well is putting the person before the athlete. Players are genuinely happy for each other, no matter how intense it is.
“The court sessions are so difficult too, but that helps us grow and prepares us really well when we come up against other countries.”
The most recent preparation – for a three test series against Jamaica – has recently concluded after a fortnight long camp at the Australian Institute of Sport. The first ten days were made up of gym, court and conditioning sessions, while the last four days included match simulation against three different teams.
The Melbourne Mavericks, Sunshine Coast Lightning and Australia Gold – a combination of rising stars and national squad members excess to the named team of 12 – gave the Diamonds plenty of fierce competition.
Garrett said, “We won all three matches, and it was great to get out there, trial different combinations and grow our connections.”
Tilly Garrett gets first hands to the ball against South Africa, 2025. Image: Shaun Sharp/Moments by Shaun
In contrast to club land – where athletes can spend years learning each other’s strengths – national teams have just a few short weeks training together each season.
The key to fast tracking those on and off court bonds, said Garrett, is communication.
“At the Diamonds we have a different game plan to what the individual Super Netball clubs do. So we have a lot of meetings prior to even stepping out on court to talk about our game plan.
“Coming into camp, we’ve gone over it, done some analysis, reflected a little bit, to make sure we’re on the same page and aren’t starting from scratch. It generally takes a couple of court sessions to remember what each defender you work with likes, what side of the circle they’re going to take.
“Little things that you do naturally with your club defenders because you’ve been together for so long.
“But this year the whole cohort gelled right from the get-go.”
Selected to play against Jamaica and an integral part of the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Garrett’s pathway to the top started in Victoria. She made her first Super Netball appearances for the now defunct Collingwood Magpies, but found it tough going. Together with a lack of court time, she also found the isolation of Covid-created hubs a challenge and was eventually cut from the roster.
“That was a very difficult time,” said Garrett. “I was away from family and hadn’t seen them for four or five months. I was spending time with (teammate) Gabby Sinclair – I knew Collingwood were contracting because they were talking to Gabby but I hadn’t heard anything at all.
“It was very emotional, but I also knew that if the Magpies weren’t going to re-contract me, I needed to explore all my options because I didn’t get to touch the court much and I wanted to grow as a player.”
Tilly Garrett at full stretch. Image Hannah Howard/On the Ball Media.
Leaving her closely knit family behind, Garrett packed her bags and headed interstate after the Thunderbirds came knocking. Under head coach Tania Obst, and assistant Cathy Fellows, Garrett thrived. Obst gave her the confidence that she belonged at the top level, while Fellows added defensive weapons to her game.
Garrett explained, “When people like Tania believe in you, that helps you to reach new heights. And Cathy is one of the best defensive coaches I’ve ever worked with.
“The way she analyses the game and prepares us for every single match is amazing. We’d know all the opposition centre passes, and have practiced them for weeks.”
Inspired by her fresh start, Garrett revisited the two fundamentals of her career – effort and attitude. “I can control those things, and I’ve always tried as hard as I can. But I definitely gained in self-belief under Tania and Cathy.
Garrett also added versatility to her skill set, with Obst using her across all three defensive positions. While goal defence remains her favourite role, the need for flexibility had been drummed into her by former Magpies’ teammate Sharni Layton.
“She told me that she wouldn’t get picked in teams, so she kept doing the work, putting her hand up, and eventually she was put in wing defence. She said she was doing everything possible so they couldn’t take her off court, and that’s become a bit of my motto too.”
Defenders club. Thunderbirds’ assistant coach Cathy Fellows with Shamera Sterling, Matilda Garrett and Latty Wilson. Image Aliesha Vicars.
At the Thunderbirds Garrett has become part of the most feared backline in domestic netball, playing alongside Shamera Sterling-Humphry and Latanya Wilson. The two Jamaican stars garner most of the limelight, something that doesn’t bother Garrett. While her defensive prowess has been crucial in the Thunderbirds two recent premierships, she’s the first to pay credit to their skills.
“Any accolades that Shammy and Latty get they deserve because they are absolutely brilliant,” Garrett said. “They win a lot of ball, but I just try and go out there and play my role.
“Comparison is the thief of joy, but if it is made, I feel they deserve it because they truly are amazing.”
While her Thunderbirds and Diamonds’ families have been amazing, Garrett’s mum remains her icon. As a single parent caring for a house full of children, she imbued Garrett with her mantra of effort and attitude.
“Growing up, she showed me what hard work, resilience and care for other people looks like.
“She’s not a netball nuffy – she wouldn’t be able to name every player on the team. But what I loved was that she’d let me go out and enjoy it, rather than just critiquing my performances.
“She’s just there for me – we still speak every day and I’m very grateful for her support to get me to where I am today.”
‘Today’ is her recent selection in the Diamonds to face Jamaica, and a very strong chance of suiting up at the Commonwealth Games. Strong performances in recent test series showcased her abilities, and while the loss of teammate Sunday Aryang to an ACL injury stung Australia, depth in defence means that Garrett has truly earned the opportunity.
And while she wasn’t quite as emotional as her inaugural selection, Garrett still shed a few tears when the team was recently revealed at camp.
“We were sent a message so we knew what time the announcement was coming out. Most people went somewhere by themselves to receive it, and I did cry when I saw the team list.
“Camp is so hard, and there’s so many amazing players within the squad. Being able to call people and tell them the news after being away for a few weeks made it very special.”
Matilda Garrett and Sarah Klau provide Double defence over the shot of Helen Housby in Test 2. Image: May Bailey | Clusterpix Photo via Netball Scoop
The Jamaican series – during which Garrett will play alongside her Thunderbirds’ teammates Georgie Horjus and against Wilson – will be the Diamonds’ last hit out before the 2026 Commonwealth Games. And while there’s another squad and team to be picked before then, Garrett said messaging from management is very open.
“They are starting to talk about tickets and logistics, what it looks like. It’s really difficult because there are quite a few processes involved with team selection.
“It’s difficult to pre-plan something you can’t control because a lot can happen in an SSN season and the next six months. But it’s good to talk about it, and going would be a dream come true.”
Like the rest of Super Netball, Tilly Garrett has been thrilled to see Sasha Glasgow back out on court. Image: Shaun Sharp/Moments By Shaun
Matilda Garrett takes a screamer in front of Owethu Ngubane. Image: May Bailey-Ireland | Clusterpix
