Wednesday, 27 August 2008:
New Australian netball captain Sharelle McMahon will miss this year's representative season through injury.
The goal attack has been ruled out of Australia's two-Test series against the Kiwis in New Zealand in September and the tri series with England and New Zealand in Australia in October.
The 31-year-old had arthroscopic surgery on her left knee following the trans-Tasman netball championship, but after consultation with coaching and medical staff, national coach Norma Plummer made the final decision to relieve McMahon of her international duties.
"Naturally I wanted Sharelle out there leading the team, but knowing Sharelle's on court intensity it was not worth taking the risk and playing her at this stage," Plummer said.
"We are taking a conservative approach to ensure she gets her body right for next year and beyond.
"Ultimately, while she is disappointed to not be taking part in the international series, this is about the long term welfare of Sharelle McMahon in the Australia netball team."
A disappointed McMahon believes the decision is the right one to ensure she has time to get her body right without the focus and pressure of an international series.
"This is an important series, but we are at the start of an exciting four year cycle that includes the Commonwealth Games and World Championships," McMahon said.
"If rushing back now without being fully fit puts these longer term goals in jeopardy then it isn't worth the risk.
"Without the expectation of playing this series, I can just focus now on my rehabilitation. I would love to be out there leading the team but I will be in the stands supporting the players and assisting wherever possible."
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