Laura Geitz to return ahead of Commonwealth Games

Diamonds great Laura Geitz will push for Commonwealth Games selection after returning to netball 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 their 2018 campaign, however, 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 their 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," said Geitz, who is a Gold Coast Games ambassador.

"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 ahead of next month's international quad series.

October's Constellation Cup against New Zealand could also prove crucial for Geitz's prospects.

Geitz, who was immortalised this year with a bronze statue in Brisbane, has captained Queensland to three championships.

She said missing last season had brought her to tears but hoped her comeback efforts would prove an inspiration for infant son Barney.

"Even though he's too young to understand, when he gets older it's important to me for him to know his mother had goals and aspirations of her own and I was driven to have another crack," she said.