Age just a number for Diamonds veteran

SHE might have felt old when she realised she was the only netballer vying to play at three Commonwealth Games but that doesn’t mean Susan Pettitt thinks she’s done.

At 33 the laidback stalwart has no plans to retire any time soon with her body and mind sharper than ever before.

Long periods out of favour with Australian selectors – including one spanning four years – means Pettitt feels she still has plenty to contribute to the national program.

Pettitt could potentially be the only Australian player with the experience of handling the inherent pressures of a home Commonwealth Games, having competed in both the Melbourne and Delhi events before being dropped from the side that played – and won – the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“It’s the big goal. I would love to be there,’’ Pettitt said.

“I know how special (home Commonwealth Games) are. I know what it means. The difference is amazing. But home Games bring their own pressure as well.’’

Pettitt is one of six shooters vying for just four spots in the team to play at the Gold Coast Games in April.

She has impressed during the current Constellation Cup series with New Zealand as Australian captain Caitlin Bassett’s circle partner and is expected to take the court in the finale in Sydney on Saturday,

“This is an audition,’’ she said. “I have four games in this series to prove myself, do everything I can to show I am the right fit for the Commonwealth Games.’’

Pettitt is the only NSW member of the Diamonds squad heading into Saturday’s finale of the Constellation Cup.