Former Netball star Sharni Layton set to join AFLW with Collingwood Magpies
Former Australian and Magpies netballer Sharni Layton will be in black and white stripes again next year but in a football jumper rather than a dress after switching sports.
After calling time on her stellar netball career last month, Layton has decided to channel her competitive instincts into Australian football as a rookie with Collingwood's AFLW team.
Known for her physicality on the netball court as one of Australia's leading defenders, Layton said she played football as a junior but has a lot to learn.
"I left netball at the highest levels and come to football as a rookie with a lot to take in, a lot to develop and prove," 30-year-old Layton said.
AAP
"It's almost as if I am starting over, which is tremendously exciting.
"I've always loved football and I like to compete and I'm hoping that a lot of the elite habits netball developed in me I can transfer across to football."
Layton said she'd been encouraged by the form of her ex-Magpies netball and Diamonds teammate Ash Brazill, who had also switched to football.
The club also signed Irish Gaelic football star Sarah Rowe last week, with the AFLW rookie signing period closing at the end of the month.
