Sharni Layton’s leave of absence form netball meant she could retire on her own terms

TWELVE months ago Sharni Layton took time away from netball to deal with mental health issues. It made her take stock of just how much she had achieved. Now she’s been able to walk away from the sport she loves on her own terms.

YOU couldn’t wipe the smile of Sharni Layton’s face if you tried.

The same could not be said about the figurehead of Australia’s Diamonds and Super Netball’s Magpies less than twelve 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 told the Herald Sun.

Sharni Layton poses for a photo after announcing her retirement from professional netball

“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 realized 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 auntie, I want to be an awesome daughter, a great girlfriend.

“It’s really important to me that I fulfill what my heart desires.”

Layton has moved 12 times in the past 10 years, lived in three states and a territory.

Thank you @Sharni_Layton for the great times on & off the court, the laughs & everything else in between.
Congratulations on a remarkable netball career & all the best for what lies ahead. Love ya 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/KHqkWJZBXa

— Nat Medhurst (@natmedhurst) July 18, 2018

Sharni Layton is embraced by her mother Karen after announcing her retirement

The Magpies foundation star debuted for Australia in 2009 and won world titles with the Diamonds 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’s career hasn’t always gone to plan, having endured a “minimum three years worth of rehab” for serious ankle, shoulder and back injuries.

Thank you @Sharni_Layton for the great times on & off the court, the laughs & everything else in between.
Congratulations on a remarkable netball career & all the best for what lies ahead. Love ya 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/KHqkWJZBXa

— Nat Medhurst (@natmedhurst) July 18, 2018

Sharnie Layton talks to the media after announcing her retirement

But the well-documented mental health sabbatical gave the superstar perspective on life outside the bubble.

“My career has never really gone to plan,” Layton said. “I’ve seen the Liz Ellis’s, represented Australia for such a long period of time and captained for such a long period of time, and the Geitz’s, that’s what I thought that I wanted.

“My journey has never really been that way and as soon as I could say ‘you know what Sharns, you’re not going to finish on a premiership and all the rest of it but you can still really enjoy the career that you’ve had’ it’s cool.”

Layton, who has played 141 domestic games, will farewell Magpies fans over the next fortnight in Melbourne with games against the Swifts and Giants.

Collingwood’s season ends in Brisbane on August 4.

Sharni concludes: “Thanks everyone for coming today. I love you all so much. I love Netball! Cya around!”

We ❤️ you right back, @Sharni_Layton #MADETOFLY pic.twitter.com/FRzIX5TXqP

— Magpies Netball (@magpies_netball) July 18, 2018