Geitz’s influence was widespread, says Ellis
Laura Geitz will go down as one of the greats of Australian netball, former Australian captain Liz Ellis says.
Geitz announced her retirement from the game yesterday, ending the career of one of the best defenders to play the sport.
The 30-year-old captained Australia to victory at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2015 World Cup, before she temporarily gave the game away for the birth of son Barney last year. She returned to play in the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast earlier this year, helping Australia win a silver medal. She was also part of the Queensland Firebirds squad which made the semifinals of the Super Netball series.
‘‘Her ability to win back the ball in crucial moments is something that has been so great for Australia and the Firebirds over many years,’’ Ellis told Wide World of Sports.
‘‘She has been a matchwinner for such a long period of time. She’s not only a great player but a great leader, she’s so highly regarded not just on the court but off it, as well.
‘‘They won that 2014 Commonwealth Games title by a huge margin. We haven’t seen anything like it before, or since, in a major final.’’
Geitz amassed 71 tests for the Diamonds and 169 national league games.
Ellis said her influence on young defenders coming through the ranks could not be under-estimated.
‘‘For those young players having had the benefit of playing with Laura it will be so beneficial as they move forward with their own careers,’’ Ellis said.
‘‘But her biggest legacy is being one of those players who has shown you can come back and play top level netball after having a baby. She’s a real role-model, not just for netballers but for the general population at large in showing just what can be done.’’