Netball superstar Laura Geitz announces retirement

LAURA Geitz knew it was time to retire as she looked across the netball court and was no longer one of the tallest players. The 30-year-old though walks away as an absolute giant of the game.

Laura Geitz in action for her beloved Queensland Firebirds. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

LAURA Geitz knew it was time to retire as she looked across the netball court and was no longer one of the tallest players doing battle.

But Geitz walks away from the game that made her a household name as an absolute giant of netball.

The 30-year-old has hung up the goalkeeper bib for good after a glittering career that included three grand final wins as captain of her beloved Queensland Firebirds along with World Cup glory and Commonwealth Games gold with the Australian Diamonds.

LAURA GEITZ’S SPECIAL LEGACY

Laura Geitz in action for her beloved Queensland Firebirds. Picture: AAP.

She returned to netball after missing the 2017 season following the birth of her son Barney to play in the Commonwealth Games and have one last fling in the Suncorp Super Netball competition.

The Diamonds and Firebirds both fell short of a fairytale finish for the sport’s golden girl who last graced a court in Queensland’s elimination final loss to the Sunshine Coast on August 12 at Boondall — where she is immortalised in bronze with a statue at the front steps.

But Geitz has no regrets.

“It’s been a phenomenal time. I’ve loved absolutely every second of wearing the purple uniform and being part of a family … it means the absolute world to me,’’ Geitz said.

“It’s been wonderful but all good things have to come to an end.

“I’m excited to say I’ve closed the chapter on my netballing life and I’m very excited for the next chapter and what lies ahead.

“I most definitely knew towards the back end of this season … that it’s time for me to hang up the bib.’’

Laura Geitz with her son Barney. Picture: Getty

Geitz said it was hard to go past the back-to-back ANZ Championship grand final wins in 2015 and 2016 as the highlights of her Firebirds tenure.

She said Jamaican Jhaniele Fowler was her toughest opponent but teammate Romelda Aiken was also a handful at training “every Tuesday and Thursday night’’.

Geitz is looking forward to spending more time with her family and will continue with her ambassadorial roles and working with her blue chip sponsors.

She said the game was changing with players getting bigger, faster and stronger.

“When I first started I was the second tallest in the team. I think I’ve dropped down to the fifth or sixth. That’s saying something about the calibre of the athletes that are coming through,’’ she said.

“There are athletic girls, they are so strong and the game is just changing in that regard so I think I’m getting out at a great time.’’

Geitz almost quit netball in 2013 following the death of her father Ross after a tragic accident on the family farm at Allora on the Darling Downs.

But she returned to the sport and led the Firebirds to the grand final that year and assumed the Diamonds captaincy.

Laura Geitz played 71 times for Australia. Picture: Getty.

LAURA GEITZ

Tests: 71 (2008-2018)

Test debut: 2008 v England

National league games: 169 (2005-20016, 2018)

National league debut: 2005 (Canberra Darters 2005-07, Queensland Firebirds 2008-2016, 2018)

Career highlights:

■ ANZ Championship grand final wins 2011, 2015 and 2016 (Firebirds captain)

■ 2015 Netball World Cup win (Diamonds captain)

■ 2011 Netball World Cup win

■ 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medal (Diamonds captain). Silver medal at 2010

■ Commonwealth games in Delhi and 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast.