Diamonds netballer Brandley to have baby

Collingwood and Australian netballer April Brandley will step away from the sport in 2020 to have a baby.

Brandley took the court in the Super Netball elimination final against the Vixens last Sunday 16 weeks along, with baby Brandley due to arrive in February.

The defender was closely monitored by medical staff throughout the season to ensure she was physically fit to take the court.

With 34 Test caps, the 29-year-old was part of the Diamonds World Cup team that claimed a silver medal in Liverpool in July.

Brandley says she's yet to decide whether she will return to netball after the birth.