Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich believes a fifth Constellation Cup match could be a better way to decide a drawn series after a bittersweet victory for her Australian netballers.
The world champions have the trans-Tasman trophy back in safe keeping with a series win over New Zealand, but are coming to terms with a serious knee injury to Sunday Aryang.
The 24-year-old defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee late in an extraordinary fourth Test against the world No.2 Silver Ferns.
"It is such difficult news for Sunday, who is such an important person and player within our Diamonds environment," Marinkovich said after scans on Thursday confirmed the injury.
Marinkovich's Diamonds retain the cup, and bragging rights, heading into next year's Commonwealth Games where New Zealand are sure to also feature in the medal rounds.
But the cup was decided in unusual circumstances after the Silver Ferns roared back in the final quarter to win 62-57 in Christchurch on Wednesday night to level the series at two wins apiece.
That forced the showdown into Series Decider Time for the first time - a separate contest of two seven-minute halves.
With players on both teams suffering cramps, the Aussies led 7-5 at halftime before the Kiwis squared the score with 80 seconds remaining.
But the Australians showed poise to wind down the clock before Sophie Garbin shot the match-winner with four seconds left for a 12-11 scoreline.
Australia hadn't won in New Zealand since 2021 and while Marinkovich said it was mission accomplished in regaining the trophy, there was disappointment they couldn't wrap up the series 3-1.
"You want to finish with the trophy, and that's what we had to do today. Would I have liked to have won the 60-minute game? Absolutely," the coach said.
Marinkovich felt there was merit in playing a fifth match to decide the trophy, although the raucous crowd at Wolfbrook Arena appeared to enjoy the new format.
"It'd be great to have a fifth game to get that clarity as well, but at the same time, I think it was very exciting," she said.
"It's the first time netball has done it and that crowd was deafening.
"You thought you were contributing by yelling and giving instructions from the sideline, but really we were just a mouse sort of squeaking at the side, and the girls take ownership out on the court.
"I certainly think it'll be one that's talked about in terms of what that experience was like, but yeah, you always want to win your 60-minute games as well."
As well as wrestling back the Cup, Marinkovich said her squad had taken a lot out of the series and earlier against South Africa, blooding four debutantes as they build towards the Games in Glasgow and then the World Cup in 2027 in Sydney.
"We've gained a lot, over two series that we've had back to back, just bringing new players through, players that haven't even played in New Zealand before and getting that experience," she said.
