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Netball fans have snapped up the opportunity to cheer on Australia’s Samsung Diamonds in the final game of the 2019 Constellation Cup Series against the New Zealand Silver Ferns, with the encounter set to be played in front of a capacity crowd at RAC Arena this Sunday October 27.

According to event promoter TEG Live, the highly-anticipated game is likely to break the current crowd record for an international netball game at the venue, which stands at 12,365.

The winner of Sunday’s match will claim the 2019 Constellation Cup as the series currently sits at 2-1 in New Zealand’s favour. If the Silver Ferns win on Sunday, they will win the series outright and if the Diamonds are victorious, they will claim the Constellation Cup based on percentage.

This is the first time the Diamonds have played in Perth since the 2015 Constellation Cup at Perth Arena (now known as RAC Arena) where the side was defeated by the Silver Ferns.  This game attracted the current venue crowd record for a netball international.

Both teams touched down in Western Australia on Monday with some Diamonds’ players planning to explore Perth and later stay on to visit Rottnest Island and the South-West during their time in the State.

Only a small number of seats remain for the event, which is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The test match will be broadcast live around Australia and overseas via television and the Netball Live mobile app. The teams are currently the two top-ranked nations in the world, with Australia holding the number one position ahead of current world champions – New Zealand.

Australia has won the Constellation Cup each year since it began in 2010, with the exception of 2012.

Diamonds’ captain and WA talent Caitlin Bassett, who began her career at the Southern Districts Netball Association, is expected to mark her hundredth test match played in front of her home crowd alongside teammates including fellow WA and West Coast Fever captain Courtney Bruce.

The New Zealand Silver Ferns will be led by captain Laura Langman who was the first New Zealand player to reach the milestone of playing 150 tests.

More than 1,000 netball players will have the chance to develop their skills as well as meet some of their sporting idols in the lead-up to the game, while a leadership luncheon and panel event will also be held.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:

“This strong turn-out from spectators ensures these two elite sporting teams will receive a warm welcome to Perth when they contest the final test match in the 2019 Constellation Cup Series.

“With a capacity crowd anticipated to attend Sunday’s game, this sets the scene for a great show for the interstate and international audiences who will be able to watch the match via Channel 9 and the Netball Live Official app, which is a great way to promote Perth and our State to these prospective visitors.

“I encourage everyone who is visiting our State to spend some time experiencing WA as part of their stay, whether it’s taking some time out to relax on our stunning beaches, enjoying a meal at one of our many restaurants or soaking up the natural beauty of our regional areas.”

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:

“It’s terrific to see a record crowd are set to see these two world-class teams play here in Perth, and the spin-off benefits organised for WA netballers in the lead up to the game.

“Members of WA’s netball community will be able to participate in a coaching masterclass involving Samsung Diamonds and Silver Ferns coaching staff which was sponsored by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

“As well at that initiative, the Department has arranged for leading members of Australia’s netball community to conduct a ‘women in leadership’ session to coincide with the test match.”