Sarah Klau has retained her position in Australia’s Constellation Cup netball squad despite recently pleading guilty to assault, following sanctions imposed by Netball Australia (NA). The 31-year-old defender was named in the 14-player team on Tuesday, less than a week after receiving a fine and suspended ban for conduct deemed unprofessional and damaging to the sport’s reputation.
Klau pleaded guilty to a common assault charge related to an incident on June 7, when she kicked a security guard outside a pub in Sydney’s eastern suburbs after being refused entry due to intoxication. The court dismissed the matter on September 3 without recording a conviction. NA fined Klau $5,000 and levied a two-game ban suspended for 12 months, along with mandatory education, citing her failure to disclose the incident ahead of the Commonwealth Games in July.
The incident came after Klau, who has represented Australia 67 times since her 2019 debut, was sidelined for the remainder of the Super Netball season due to a leg injury. Reports indicate she attended an AFL match the day following the assault charge hearing.
Diamonds vice-captain Kate Moloney said she had maintained contact with Klau and acknowledged the player’s remorse. "Sarah has apologised to the group and is extremely remorseful for what’s happened," Moloney said, emphasising that such behaviour is not condoned within the team.
The squad named for the upcoming Constellation Cup series initiates October 18, with the Australian team traveling to Auckland to play against New Zealand’s Silver Ferns, the reigning Commonwealth Games champions. Captain Liz Watson highlighted the challenge ahead, acknowledging New Zealand’s confidence following their recent gold medal win and Australia’s historically mixed results on New Zealand soil.
The selection features a largely consistent lineup from the Commonwealth Games, though notable absences include Jo Weston, who is resting due to managed workload. Newcomers Jessie Grenvold, Amy Parmenter, and Donnell Wallam have returned after serving as reserves during the Glasgow tournament. Grenvold, a defender for the Melbourne Mavericks, is yet to debut for the Diamonds despite her initial call-up in May.
Sophie Dwyer, who made her Commonwealth Games debut and was sidelined following a missed critical shot in the semi-final loss to Jamaica, also remains in the squad. The full roster includes 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, and Liz Watson.