Susan Pettitt says Giants can silence Magpies defender Sharni Layton ... sort of

IT’S been likened to a foghorn and a duck honk. But Giants shooter Susan Pettitt says Sharni Layton’s on-court bellows are just a tactic to rattle the opposition.

Collingwood defender Sharni Layton isn’t afraid to be heard. Picture: George Salpigtidis

IT’S been likened to a foghorn and a duck honk. But Giants shooter Susan Pettitt says old teammate Sharni Layton’s on-court bellows are just a tactic to rattle the opposition.

The former Swifts teammates will battle for dominance in the goal circle when the Giants travel to Melbourne to take on the Magpies in Saturday’s second double-header of Super Netball.

The match will be the highlight of the round between two teams installed as pre-season favourites for the inaugural crown.

“For sure she tries to use that loud voice, all that craziness, to rattle people,’’ said Pettitt, who recently toured South Africa and England with Layton as part of the Diamonds Quad series team.

“All that noise is to get into the shooters’ heads. She used those antics to rattle people. It’s just a tactic.’’

Australia’s Sharni Layton and England’s Jo Harten battle it out. Picture: Sarah Reed

While Pettitt and Layton will share space in the goal circles, the Giants’ English international Jo Harten will match up on Layton directly.

Pettitt said 88-Test veteran Harten has played Layton on numerous occasions internationally and knows what to expect from the loudest player in world netball.

“We just need to have our own voice out there, talk to each other and continue to develop our connections,’’ Pettitt said.

The Giants go into the game as league leaders following wins over the NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever in the opening two rounds.

Layton is an equal leader for most deflections this season with 11 from two games. She also shares the lead for most defensive rebounds with five.

SATURDAY

MAGPIES V GIANTS

Hisense Arena, Melbourne, 7pm.

VIXENS V SWIFTS

Hisense Arena, Melbourne, 8.45pm

SUNDAY

THUNDERBIRDS V LIGHTNING

Titanium Arena, Adelaide, 12.30pm.