Pettitt: "I didn't give up on that dream"

Pettitt will be the only team member from Australia's 2006 Commonwealth Games netball side, who lost the final by five points to New Zealand, on the Gold Coast. 

 

2 weeks to go!! Flashback to me in my youth, at the 2006 Melbourne Games! This is pre-social media... and what appears to be pre-fake tan days too 😜🙈 #whatanactionshot 😂

A post shared by Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley) (@susanpettitt) on Mar 21, 2018 at 12:37am PDT

She was then part of the Diamonds at the 2007 World Championships where they got their revenge on New Zealand for the Commonwealth Games defeat, winning 42-38 in the Final. 

Pettitt went on to represent Australia for the next Commonwealth Games in Delhi but was overlooked four years ago.

She feared the days of representing Australia was gone.

"Two years ago I didn't think I'd have a chance at this," she said.

"For me to be back here gives me goosebumps.

"I didn't give up on that dream," Pettitt said.

 

DREAMS DO COME TRUE If you had of asked me 3 years ago if this dream was achievable I would've had my doubts. I'm so proud of my persistence, hardwork and the unwavering support of those closest to me. We did it. COMM GAMES BABY!! 🇦🇺💚💛🤗

A post shared by Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley) (@susanpettitt) on Feb 4, 2018 at 9:42pm PST

Now at 34, this will be her third Commonwealth Games and possibly her last so she is searching for that elusive gold medal. 

"I'm pinching myself that I'm one night away from my third Commonwealth Games," Pettitt said.

"I am the veteran but I'm calling it 'experienced'," she said.

The Diamonds and New Zealand head into the competition as favoruites being the only teams to take out the gold since the introduction of the sport in 1998.

Australia face Northern Ireland in their first match of the Games on Thursday.