After 18 months away from the game, former Australian Diamonds captain Laura Geitz has fought her way back into the squad for the Commonwealth Games.
Training in Canberra during the Diamonds camp was made easier for Geitz as she was allowed to bring Barney along.
"The support I’ve received from the netball family to return to the sport with a young baby has been invaluable," she said
"I hoped it wouldn’t be a distraction but the girls really embraced it.
"It’s an amazing step forward for women’s sport and netball in Australia to allow and help us to be a mum and a player," Geitz said
The Commonwealth Games will be special for the Diamonds, especially for Geitz, who will play in her home state.
"It’s a wonderful feeling – representing my country is something I cherish, but as a proud country Queenslander I am so delighted that the Commonwealth Games will put a spotlight on my home state and show the world what an amazing place we live in."
However, it won't be easy for the Diamonds who are not only the defending gold medalist from Glasgow but also sit number one in the world rankings.
Two years ago today! #NWC2015 😍🎉🏆#GoDiamonds
— Australian Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) August 16, 2017
📸 David Callow pic.twitter.com/BWWeCjIsLa
"Defending a Commonwealth Games gold medal definitely brings pressure, along with competing in our own backyard also brings a certain amount of pressure in itself," Geitz said.
"It is going to be a really interesting Commonwealth Games.
"The other nations such as South Africa, Jamaica and England have really raised the bar over the past four years," she said.
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