Retiring Diamond Susan Pettitt wants a fairytale ending to her stellar netball career and could enter the sport's history books if she gets her wish.
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Last month, 34-year-old Giants Super Netball star Pettitt announced her retirement from both domestic and international levels.
Pettitt's career has spanned the three major netball competitions of the past 20 years.
One of Australia's most consistent shooters, Pettitt has a chance to complete a unique Australian netball treble this month.
A winner with the Sydney Swifts in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy and the NSW Swifts in the ANZ Championship, Pettitt and her long standing teammate Kimberlee Green have the opportunity this year to become the first players to feature in title-winning teams in all three competitions.
By finishing minor premiers, the Giants have the chance to play all their finals matches at home.
"I would love to go out with a bang," said Pettitt, who entered major domestic netball back in 2002.
"But not everyone gets that fairytale ending, so we've got to work on this week to try and get that home grand final.
"You put a lot of time and effort into training and preparation and things like that.
"To finish my 17 years as a winner would be pretty special."
The Giants start their finals campaign on Saturday at home to West Coast Fever, the team they beat in the final round last Saturday.
They won the first three quarters but had their lead of 14 at the final change slashed to three by the end, as Fever outscored them 22-11 in the last term.
"I think in the final quarter we dropped off a bit and they came out firing knowing they had nothing to lose," Pettitt said.
"We probably got a bit stationary with each other just trying to protect the lead and play it safe, as opposed to carrying on how we had the first three quarters."
Pettitt, who has formed a formidable shooting partnership with England star Jo Harten, said her mindset hadn't really changed since announcing her imminent departure from the game at elite level.
"I always had it in my mind that this was going to be my last year and to finally let people know, it was emotional," Pettitt said.
"But it was also kind of a relief that people then knew that was it and you can have fun with it."
Australian Associated Press
