GEITZ EARNS FAIRYTALE AS SELECTORS GO BOLD

QUEENSLAND Firebirds sensation Laura Geitz has got her dream recall, with the former Diamonds captain set for the Commonwealth Games.

Geitz has not played international netball since 2015, following the birth of son Barney last February.

But her experience and dedication to training has seen her rewarded with a place in the team, in what will be her third Games and first on home turf.

Australian coach Lisa Alexander said Geitz has been working since September and knew she would not have any trouble juggling her netball duties with motherhood.

“We were hopeful that everything would go well for her and that she would be able to compete and put her hand up for selection,” Alexander said.

“I knew Laura would be super-organised and she wouldn’t make that decision about putting herself back out there unless she’d really thought about it deeply and she had the commitment of her family behind her.

“We combine family and elite sport and I’m really proud of that. As a sport, we’re fair dinkum about it.”

Geitz will be joined in the 12-player team by Firebirds teammate Gabi Simpson, as well as Sunshine Coast Lightning duo Caitlin Bassett and Stephanie Wood.

Bassett will once again captain the Aussie side and said it was exciting to have Geitz alongside her on the Gold Coast.

“Geitzy brings so much experience,” Bassett said.

“When I heard her name (read out), it was really exciting. She was in Glasgow (Commonwealth Games) with me and has had experience in Delhi as well.”

Australia opens its Games campaign against Northern Ireland on April 5 before its remaining pool matches against Barbados, South Africa, Fiji and Jamaica.