New mum Laura Geitz pushes for Commonwealth Games spot

Australian Diamonds great Laura Geitz will push for Commonwealth Games selection after returning to netball.

Former Diamonds and Queensland Firebirds star Laura Geitz is making a comeback. Picture: Peter Wallis

Australian Diamonds great Laura Geitz will push for Commonwealth Games selection after returning to the game from a break to become a mother.

The former Australian captain has returned to Queensland after missing the Firebirds’ Super Netball inaugural season to have her first baby in February.

Before the Firebirds’ 2018 campaign, the 29-year-old Geitz will be considered for Australia’s Commonwealth Games gold medal defence on the Gold Coast. She captained the Diamonds to victory at the Glasgow Games in 2014 but acknowledged she would not be selected on reputation.

“I’ve got a lot to prove to be in that (Australian) team,” Geitz said. “My last game of netball was more than 12 months ago and there’s a lot of youngsters that have come through the ranks. Clearly the team is in a very good position. I just need to get out on court and prove to them I’m deserving of a spot.”

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander has previously said she would welcome the dual world champion into the national team set-up to train before next month’s international quad series.

The Constellation Cup in October against New Zealand could also prove crucial for Geitz’s prospects. She has captained Queensland to three championships, and said missing last season had brought her to tears.

AAP