Diamonds open door for Layton as mentor

AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander says she would welcome Sharni Layton as a mentor of the Diamonds following the former star’s retirement from all forms of elite netball next month.

Layton last week admitted she knew almost a year ago the 2018 Super Netball season would be her last, confirming she will quit both competitions after next week’s final round of regular season.

Alexander said Layton’s legacy to netball would be the way she inspired the next generation of Australian defenders to chase their dream and aspire to be the best.

And the Diamonds boss said she would be delighted to have Layton, who has battled a self-described “mental health injury” in recent times, to stay involved with the team in some capacity.

“I’d love to have her in a role, whatever role it is,” Alexander said. “Coaching, mentoring … whatever she wants, she will always be welcome. All our ex-players are welcome back and I am sure she will do that.”

Layton and her Magpies teammates will play their second NSW team in just over a week when they take on the Giants in Melbourne on Sunday after drawing with the Swifts in Round 12.

Victory is crucial for the Giants’ bid to vault West Coast Fever on the league ladder with a victory over the side in the final round of the regular competition next weekend.

The Swifts will take on defending champion Lightning in another must-win game.