Bring on the brilliance

The Australian Diamonds and the New Zealand Silver Ferns are currently the best netball teams in the world and have been battling it out on the court since the 1930s. This year, the Diamonds will encounter two formidable international opponents in quick succession. The first in a test match against the England Roses in Bendigo in September. Then the Diamonds will once again face off against their long-time rivals, the Silver Ferns, at this year’s Constellation Cup.

This four-game series has been played since 2010, with the Diamonds winning 11 of the 13 series. It’s a trend Kate Moloney hopes to continue when the final game of the series is played at John Cain Arena on 30 October.

What's the competition like with the Silver Ferns?

It is one of the greatest rivalries in elite sport - for netball, it's our oldest and fiercest rivalry. There is so much respect between both teams and, on the court, you can always count on it going down to the wire.

What do you love about playing netball in Melbourne?

As Diamonds, we love nothing more than playing in front of our home crowd, and for me to play in Melbourne is even more special. To be able to have my family and friends at the game is something I love.

T

he story of Melbourne coffee walks alongside the history of the city. In the 1830s the temperance movement needed to attract patrons away from the pubs. Ornate ‘coffee palaces’ offered the hotel experience, sans  alcohol. Today’s Hotel Windsor served as the 400-room Grand Coffee Palace between 1886 and 1897. On the streets outside, coffee stalls began servicing the city’s on-the-move workers.

But our real caffeine kick came with the immigration boom of World War II. Craving a taste of home, Italians brought espresso coffee, and with it, a cafe culture of cosmopolitan cool. 

Mid-century, Melbourne coffee shops became the hangouts of bohemians, artists, musicians and free thinkers. This influential scene ensured our daily drop would forever come with a sense of pride and sit alongside our city’s renowned art, entertainment, creativity and style.