Medhurst goal feat just one of a thousand

Natalie Medhurst has already achieved many milestones as a netball player, but the 31-year-old had no idea she was approaching this particular one.

Natalie Medhurst didn't even realise she'd scored her 1000th career goal for Australia on Tuesday night.

The experienced goal attack accomplished the feat during the third quarter of the Diamonds' 51-41 Netball World Cup qualification-round defeat of England.

Her mid-range shot extended the defending world champions' lead back to eight goals, on her way to potting a total of 14 from 18 attempts.

But when a chipper Medhurst walked off the court after the game, she had no idea she'd even been approaching such a milestone.

"Oh really?" said the West Coast Fever playmaker, who is attempting to win her third consecutive world title.

"I'm not too sure about the 1000 goals but my body certainly feels every bump that I get.

"How many years is it, eight or nine now that I've been playing?"

Medhurst has been playing for eight, since she debuted for her country in July 2007 as a 23-year-old against Jamaica.

Among many achievements, she was named player of the match three times at the 2011 Singapore world titles, including the last-gasp final victory against New Zealand.

Now 31, Medhurst is known for being notoriously tricky with the ball in the circle and seamlessly combining with Fever teammate and ever-reliable Diamonds shooter Caitlin Bassett, who scored 28 from 32 shots on Tuesday.

She also said her body is feeling the pain of her long service to the game.

"I bruise like a peach," she said, pointing to various bruises dotted over her arms and legs.

"The ones on my legs are inflicted by my own team and support staff.

"And I've got one on my chin.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't have any to be honest - my dad reckons they make me look tough."

Tuesday's match also marked Medhurst's 70th international Test, making her the second-most experienced player on the team behind vice-captain Kim Green, who has 71 caps.

Bassett and retiring defender Julie Corletto made their 50th Test appearances.


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Source: AAP


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