Laura Geitz announces her retirement from netball

Former Diamonds captain Laura Geitz has announced her retirement from netball

Queensland Firebirds player Laura Geitz poses for photographs during a press conference announcing her retirement. Picture: AAP

Former Diamonds captain Laura Geitz has announced her retirement from netball, after making a season-long comeback for her beloved Queensland Firebirds.

The two-time world ­championship-winning defender was surrounded by Firebirds teammates when she made her announcement in Brisbane yesterday.

Geitz, who returned to Super Netball this year after missing last season as motherhood took precedence, played her last match in the Firebirds’ semi-final defeat to eventual champions the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

The 30-year-old had previously called time on her 71-cap international career after Aus­tralia were denied Commonwealth Games gold by England on the Gold Coast in April.

“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.’’

Geitz made her national league debut in 2005 and played a total of 169 matches, first with the Canberra Darters then from 2008 for the Firebirds.

She made her international debut for the Diamonds in 2008 against England and played 71 Tests in a career that was highlighted with two World Cup wins, in 2011 and in 2015 when she was Australia’s captain.

Geitz headlines a cluster of experienced players to opt for retirement. Former Diamonds and Sydney Giants shooter Susan Pettitt, 34, has signed off with 71 caps and 226 domestic games on her record.

Former Australian defender Sharni Layton has ended her ­career with Collingwood after coming to prominence in Adelaide, while Magpies teammates Shae Brown and Erin Bell — another international — have also ended their playing careers.

Melbourne Vixens midcourter Khao Watts, who played 74 games with four clubs, has called it quits after being unable to overcome a series of injury setbacks.

The Sydney Giants will have to replace English inter­national midcourter Serena ­Guthrie, who is returning to Britain.

And South African-born former Silver Ferns defender Leana de Bruin, 41, is heading back to New Zealand after a campaign as the ­captain of the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

AAP