Crackdown on Diamonds

A VISIT to training from retired Diamonds Julie Corletto and Renae Ingles may have simultaneously inspired Australia’s rookie defenders and kept stars Laura Geitz and Sharni Layton out of the Commonwealth Games.

The squad to play on the Gold Coast in April will be announced today and coach Lisa Alexander is toying with leaving both former captains out as the world champions chase their fourth title in six Games.

Layton was a shock withdrawal from Australia’s quad series team last August, with the defender’s 46-cap career put on hold due to exhaustion.

Geitz hasn’t played for Australia since 2016 and missed last year’s Super Netball campaign to have her first child.

Their absence was immediately felt in a 57-47 loss to New Zealand that cost Australia the 2017 quad series title.

It prompted Alexander to call on Corletto and Ingles, who won gold alongside Geitz and Layton in Glasgow, to instil some defensive toughness and sharpness in transition.