Australia’s 53-52 World Championship victory over reigning champions New Zealand at a packed Sydney Entertainment Centre in 1991 was hailed as one of the greatest netball games ever.

It also set Australia on the path to a hat-trick of World titles which reasserted Australia’s  position as the world’s leading netball nation in the face of the constant threat from New Zealand.

The ‘91 classic – the finale to the Eighth World Netball Championships – was broadcast live by the Ten network and the Netball Australia website still lists it as the most watched netball match in Australian history.

It was a thriller from the outset. New Zealand held a one point lead at each change, Australia scraped ahead with minutes to go and then intercepted an attacking NZ pass to protect their lead with seconds to spare.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke, a lifelong sports enthusiast, called it the best sporting contest he had seen. It makes the side fitting inclusions among Australia’s greatest sporting teams.

Competition
World Championship

Coach
Joyce Brown OAM

Captain
Michelle den Dekker OAM

Team Members
Vicki Wilson OAM, Jennifer Borlase, Carissa Dalwood, Keeley Devery, Sharon Finnan, Rosalee Jencke, Sue Kenny, Simone McKinnis, Shelley O’Donnell, Catriona Wagg.