Diamonds netball star offering more than physicality
Jamie-Lee Price has built a reputation as the Diamonds' enforcer but the star midcourter says that tag has come at a cost.
In her 50th Test, Price is set to be a key weapon for Australia as they open their four-match Constellation Cup netball series in Wellington on Sunday.
While Australia have only dropped one Constellation Cup series against New Zealand in the past 10 years, they have struggled to win across the Tasman with their last victory in 2021.
With the second Test in Auckland next Wednesday followed by games in Perth and Melbourne, coach Stacey Marinkovich doesn't want to rely on home ground advantage to retain the prized trophy.
Price became the first player to receive a two-minute suspension for 'dangerous play' under Super Netball's new rules this season, the Giants co-captain sent off during a clash with the NSW Swifts.
And in the third Test against England last month Price got an official warning after getting in a tangle with debutante Jess Shaw but avoided a two-minute ban for a second offence.
Price told AAP that she didn't look to ruffle opponents but was naturally a strong competitor.
"Naturally, I'm just a strong body and I think over the years, there's always been like a reputation that I'm really physical and whatnot," the 28-year-old said.
"I'm just naturally a strong human being so whenever I go for a tight contest, not trying to sound cocky or anything, but probably 90 per cent of the time someone's going to end up on the floor because I'm such a strong body."
While her teammates love her determination, Price, the daughter of former NRL star Steve Price, said it had its drawbacks.
"It's quite frustrating when you do have a bit of a reputation with the umpiring and stuff like that," she said.
"I think I have been a bit unfortunate with some of the calls over the last year but the biggest thing for me is just not retaliating.
"I think people think that they can get under my skin."
Marinkovich said that despite Price reaching a milestone she was still finding ways to grow her game and had become a major asset for the world No.1 team.
"Every time Jamie's stepping out there she's finding new strengths to her bow and she's just so keen to evolve and grow," she said..
"The hard work that she does behind the scenes, being that true competitor that she is it really does transfer to the performance environment.
"As soon as sees a challenge, you she really steps up towards it.
"She's showing great strength in both her centre and wing defence position so giving us a lot of versatility providing some some strength across our mid court."
