Poolman to lead Aussies

The Giants star  will lead Australia as they take on the world’s best netballing nations in New Zealand, England, Jamaica, Malawi and South Africa over the two-day event.

One of the country’s most elite defenders, Poolman is looking to bring her signature physicality and intensity to the dynamic Fast5 format for the second year running and is thrilled to be named captain of the Australian Fast5 team for 2018.

“I’m really honoured, I always try and lead by example no matter what my position is but to actually be named captain is really nice and it’s certainly very special to captain the Australian Fast5 team,” she said.

“Australia hasn’t won a Fast5 title yet, so we’ll definitely be going in there with the motivation and drive to win the championship – I can’t wait to get into our training camp on Monday.”

Australian Fast5 team coach Stacey Marinkovich is looking forward to working with Poolman as captain.

“Sam has a great sense of team and a personality that will drive our team to align both on and off the court going into the Fast5 championship – Sam empowers the people around her whilst leading by example,” she said.

With dynamic rules changes, including; five players-a-side, shortened quarters, multiple point shots and double point power plays, Fast5 netball is sure to have the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Poolman is looking forward to the unique nature of the Fast5 competition and how all teams will be fiercely competing to claim the title.

She added: “Because of the way the power play happens as well as the long shots, it can be anyone’s game.

"From a fan perspective it’s really exciting as you’ve got each of the countries having a red-hot crack and I don’t think you can really pick a winner going into it.”

The Fast5 Netball World Series is taking place in Melbourne for the third and final time this weekend, October 27 and 28.