Diamonds bolster netball coaching staff

Australia have strengthened their coaching staff with the addition of former internationals Clare Ferguson and Megan Anderson in specialist roles.

Working under head coach Lisa Alexander, Ferguson (nee McMeniman) will take charge of the Diamonds defence while Anderson will oversee the team's goal shooting.

Coming off the disappointment of a silver medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, the newly created positions have been filled a month out from the international Quad Series.

Alexander said Ferguson and Anderson have proven themselves in the Netball Australia Centre of Excellence program and will boost the team's technical development and culture.

"Both coaches read and interpret the game extremely well," Alexander said.

"They both have a contemporary knowledge of what a great performance looks like and will empower athletes."

Former Australian captain Ferguson, 33, retired 18 months ago after retaining the Constellation Cup against New Zealand.

More senior Diamonds players have retired since the Games, making the coaching role one to relish, she said.

Anderson, 43, was in and out of international netball in the early 2000s and represented the Sydney Swifts for eight seasons.

Australia's opening Quad Series Test is against South Africa in Auckland on September 15.

They get a chance to avenge their Games final loss four days later when they host England in Newcastle.