Alexander to keep the door open

AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander says it is her job to “leave the door open’’ for Laura Geitz to rejoin the Diamonds ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Geitz has not played since the 2016 trans-Tasman grand final and gave birth to her son Barney in February.

She will return for the Firebirds in 2018 but the Suncorp Super Netball competition will not begin until after the Commonwealth Games making her comeback to the national side more complicated.

Alexander expects the World Cup-winning captain and 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist to resume pre-season training next month with the January tour of South Africa and England for the 2018 Quad Series circled for a possible playing comeback.

“We’ll see what happens. We’ll leave the door open for her,’’ Alexander said.

“That’s my responsibility as Australian coach. I’ve got to make sure we pick the best team. We’ll make it as open as possible but we should see Laura out on court playing and training netball-wise in December.

“Then there’s the possibility of adding her as a training partner or squad member a little bit later than that. There is the opportunity for her to be included in that group.’’