Layton did it her way
YOU couldn’t wipe the smile of Sharni Layton’s face yesterday if you tried.
The same could not be said about the figurehead of Australia’s Diamonds and Super Netball’s Magpies less than 12 months ago.
The two- time world champion almost walked away from the sport then, as she battled mental demons brought on by her relentless workload on and off the court.
Layton, 30, used the time away to seek professional help, get better, take stock, and focus on those who matter most – her family and friends.
She returned to the Magpies this season refreshed and in some way desperate to go out on her terms.
“I guess if I had’ve given the game away I wouldn’t have known if it was the right thing,” Layton said.
“I probably haven’t had the season that I would’ve liked to have had... but it’s the best decision that I could have made.
“If I had’ve walked away from the game I very much doubt I’d be in the same position that I am today.”
Layton couldn’t be happier to hang up the bib, content with everything she has achieved in Australia’s premier women’s sport.
“I’ve really shifted as a person. I’ve almost gone from being ambition driven to more meaning driven,” Layton said.
“In that time off I realised how much that meant to me. As an athlete you have to be selfish.
“I don’t want to be selfish anymore, I want to be a good friend, a great aunty, I want to be an awesome daughter, a great girlfriend. It’s really important to me that I fulfil what my heart desires.”
Layton has moved 12 times in the past 10 years, lived in three states and a territory.
The Magpies foundation star debuted for Australia in 2009 and won world titles in 2011 and 2015 and Commonwealth Games gold in 2014.
“It is ( retirement) meant to be sad but why?” Layton said.
“I was really sad last year and playing sport, it’s like a relationship, it’s your whole life, I’ve been through the breakup period, I’ve had my tears and now I just really want to enjoy it and celebrate it.”
Layton is the fourth decorated Diamond to retire in the last 10 days, joining former captain Laura Geitz, midcourter Madi Robinson and shooter Susan Pettitt.
Layton, who has played 141 domestic games, will farewell Magpies fans over the next fortnight in Melbourne with games against the Swifts and Giants.