Laura Geitz makes return at Diamonds camp

Former Australian captain Laura Geitz has been invited to join the Diamonds squad as a "training partner" for a camp in Canberra starting Thursday.

It marks her return to training with the national team after giving birth to her first child Barney last February and is her first involvement with the Australian squad since May 2016.

It also keeps alive her hopes of representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April.

While the 30-year-old defender, who is currently training with the Queensland Firebirds ahead of her Super Netball comeback, remains a long shot it at least keeps her in contention for selection.

"Laura has been training well during the Queensland Firebirds pre-season," coach Lisa Alexander said.

"This provides an opportunity for her to return to the Diamonds environment and test herself in our match conditions.

"This camp will play a part in our selection of the Commonwealth Games team, so it was important for us to see Laura in action."

Alexander said last month it was "not as likely" that Geitz would be involved in the camp, which runs from January 11-14.

A 14-strong squad - not including Geitz - will then fly out for the upcoming Quad Series against New Zealand, South Africa and England in London and Johannesburg.

The tournament is the last hit-out for the Diamonds ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Geitz has 64 caps for Australia and captained the team to gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2015 Netball World Cup.

Australian Diamonds: Caitlin Bassett, April Brandley, Courtney Bruce, Paige Hadley, Emily Mannix, Kate Moloney, Susan Pettitt, Kim Ravaillion, Gabi Simpson, Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett, Liz Watson, Jo Weston, Stephanie Wood.