Jamaica, who challenged Australia in the final at Birmingham 2022, have brought a strong team to Scotland, as has New Zealand, who won in 2006 and 2010, and 2018 champions England.

“International level is at its height of competition at the moment – Jamaica, New Zealand, England, South Africa are coming out hard and fast, so I don’t think there’s really one opposition that we’ve got to be aware of,” Marinkovich said of her Australian team.

“We’ve got to bring our best every time.”

Marinkovich on day one of Birmingham 2022

Photography Glasgow 2026

Marinkovich has instilled belief in her players coming in to the competition. “One of the things we’ve talked about is our own identity,” she said.

“Confidence is really high because we respect the legacy of the 2022 team but we identify this group as being different, with different skill sets from different personnel.

“We can’t wait to unleash and see what this group can really do.”

Bitter defeat

The British Isles have proved a great hunting ground for the four-time victors, with two of those gold medal wins coming at Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022.

Their most bitter defeat came on home turf, against England at Gold Coast 2018.

“It was really, really upsetting,” said Australia’s Jo Weston ahead of her third Commonwealth Games.

“Being on the Gold Coast as well, having all of Australia cheering for us and not being able to win in the dying moments. But as an athlete, you’ve got to be able to ride the waves.”

After that defeat, Australia took on Marinkovich, who oversaw their 2022 win and World Cup title the following year, giving them the impetus to go for the ‘double double’ and defend both titles, with the next World Cup coming up in 2027.

“I feel like when we come to an event like the Commonwealth Games you want to be challenged, to prove that you are capable of winning under those sort of circumstances,” Weston said.

“Our initial pool matches are probably going to be more difficult than the previous Commonwealth Games I’ve played at, but I think that’s an exciting prospect rather than an intimidating one.

“We play the Australian way, we know we can (win), and we can adapt to what’s in front of us and hopefully that will get us what we are looking for.”

Thriving under pressure

Captain Liz Watson is one of three Australians in the team competing at their third Commonwealth Games and is relishing the prospect of defending their title.

“We love being in that dress and being able to do what we can for our country,” she said.

“We hope we can keep building on that (success) and be a strong, ruthless team who can go from game one to the end.

“You know it’s tough to play against us and it’s something we really thrive in.”

The Netball competition, presented by Ideagen, starts on 25 July. For the full schedule, click here.