Final shot powering on Pettitt
THE hard-luck story of Australia’s golden Glasgow run is using her selection pain to drive her final shot at Commonwealth Games glory.
Goal attack Susan Pettitt, a member of the Diamonds’ silver medal-winning teams in 2006 and 2010, is back for the third Games shot she feared would never arrive.
The 34-year-old was heartbreakingly overlooked for Australia’s successful campaign in Glasgow in 2014, but ended her four-year international exile when she was recalled for last year’s tour of South Africa.
The only Diamonds squad member to have competed on home soil at the Melbourne Games 12 years ago, the Giants star is now hoping third time proves a charm.
“That’s the one thing I’m missing, that Commonwealth Games gold medal,” she told reporters at Merrimac’s All Saints Anglican School.
“It was hard missing Glasgow but at the same time I tried not to get too caught up in it and just play some fun netball, get out there and enjoy myself. I was kind of at that point I didn’t think I’d have another chance at Comm Games so to be here and experience it, I’m embracing every moment.
“The girls did a great job in Glasgow. To be part of the India Games (and losing the final in) double overtime, that still hurts. That’s something that’s probably driven the motivation of being back here.”
While Australia and New Zealand are favourites, Pettitt said England, Jamaica and South Africa are major threats.