One of the most elite netballers in the world, Natalie von Bertouch is the current captain of the Adelaide Thunderbirds and captain of the Australian National Netball Team, the Diamonds.
Growing up in Adelaide, Natalie took after her sister Laura and started her netball career with South Australian State League club Contax, eventually progressing through the ranks and debuting for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2001. The same year Natalie made her debut in the Australian Under-21 team, where she has remained a member of this team every year since.
Natalie made her debut for Australia against New Zealand in 2004 and quickly became an integral member of the team as a centre court player. Natalie represented Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the 2007 World Championships in which Australia won, and has achieved numerous accolades. Her success led to her being appointed vice captain of the Diamonds in 2008.
Natalie was named captain of the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2008 after the introduction of the ANZ Trans-Tasman Championships between Australian and New Zealand teams. The Thunderbirds placed 3rd and 2nd in 2008 and 2009 respectively, and Natalie was awarded the 2009 Australian ANZ Championship Player of the Year Award. Natalie also won netball’s highest individual honour in 2010 when she was awarded the Liz Ellis Diamonds at the Netball Australia Awards following a successful year in which the Thunderbirds finished Premiers.
Natalie’s fitness and determination has seen her become one of the best centre players in the game, and from the success her team has achieved, it is clear she is a born leader. Announced as captain of the Australian Diamonds in 2011 Natalie lead Australia to silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and gold at the World Championships in 2011.
Away from netball Natalie is a nutritionist, having completed a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Flinders University. She is now employed by Nutrition Professional Australia (NPA) & due to her passion for sport, Natalie continues to develop her skills on sports nutrition. http://npagroup.com.au/ourteam#list2_item8
DOB: December 16 1982
RESIDES: Adelaide
HEIGHT: 175cm
POSITION: Centre
TEAM: Adelaide Thunderbirds, Australian Diamonds
2012 - Constellation Cup v NZ and Quadrangular Int Series
2011 – Captain of the Australian Diamonds, World Championships (Gold)
2010 – Commonwealth Games (silver)
2009 – ANZ Championships MVP
2008 – VC of Australian Diamonds
2007 – World Championships (gold)
2006 – Commonwealth Games (gold)