Decorated netballer Sharni Layton has been added to Collingwood's AFLW roster for the upcoming season.
Layton recently retired from professional netball after two World Championships, two domestic titles and a host of individual accolades.
The 30-year-old forged a successful career as a defender on the court but admits she's got a long way to go when it comes to the Sherrin.
"I have a lot to learn. I know that," Layton told collingwoodfc.com.au.
"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. It’s almost as if I am starting over, which is tremendously exciting.
"I’ve always loved football and I like to compete. Anyone who knows me knows that. I’m also hoping that a lot of the elite habits netball developed in me I can transfer across to football."
Welcome (back) to Collingwood, @Sharni_Layton! https://t.co/h0h0LeEG4o Sharni has officially joined our @aflwomens team for 2019 #FOREVER pic.twitter.com/dgFqE1mBcR
— Collingwood Women's (@CollingwoodFCW) September 13, 2018
Layton became a key member of the inaugural Magpies team in the recently formed Suncorp Super Netball competition, with Collingwood performance and strategy manager Marcus Wagner confident she can add to the AFLW program.
"Sharni’s sporting resume speaks for itself and after 14 years training and mastering her sport, it will be up to her to become a sponge again and take in all of the knowledge our women’s football program can offer," Wagner said.
"While she’s got a lot to learn, we think Sharni can share her experience with the team of what it means to train in a professional environment and prepare yourself to compete at the highest level."
Collingwood finished fifth in season one of the AFLW before dropping to sixth in 2018.
They will be hoping for their first finals experience in 2019 as the competition trials a revamped structure.
