A big performance against GIANTS Netball in this Sunday’s preliminary final could also go a long way towards helping her follow in sister Madi Robinson’s footsteps to become a Samsung Australian Diamonds.
The Diamonds squad was named earlier this year for the international season and was noticeably bereft of wing attacks, with head coach Lisa Alexander opting to see how the contenders fared in the finals before making her choices.
Browne has had an exceptional season to date and got the better of her opposite number Gabi Simpson in the Lightning’s win over the Queensland Firebirds last weekend. While she remains focused on the job at hand, Browne admits her Diamonds dream could be within her grasp.
“Obviously I think everyone who is playing in this league and is Australian would love to represent the Diamonds,” she said.
“It’s been a big thing, I’ve obviously watched my sister go through it. She’s had some of the most amazing experiences.
“It is something that I would love to do but at the moment I think the focus is more on this prelim this weekend and hopefully if we can get to the Perth, then taking it out and going back-to-back.”
Standing in Browne’s way is the imposing presence of Serena Guthrie – who will return to England at season’s end – while Giants centre Jamie-Lee Price has been channelling her rugby league legend father Steve Price in recent weeks, with some bruising performances.
“I did say that to someone the other day, (Price) comes near me and I fall over,” Browne laughed.
“I don’t know, if I come up against her obviously it’s about keeping my feet and making sure that I’m giving the best options – not letting her tackle me to the ground.”
The Firebirds v Lightning clash last week was a hugely physical encounter and Browne expects plenty of the same from the Giants this time around.
“I think a couple of games this year have been quite physical so they have prepared us well,” she said.
“Firebirds and us always have that physical battle and I don’t think Giants will back down from any physicality this weekend.”
“We’ve been preparing at training for things like that.
“Our coach has definitely put us through the wringer during the week and that’s really important heading into the game. We’re not going to shy away from any physicality either.”
Giants Netball will play Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Suncorp Super Netball preliminary final on Sunday, August 19 at 1pm at Qudos Bank Arena.
The winner will meet West Coast Fever in the grand final on Sunday, August 26 at 1pm at Perth Arena.
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