The remaining member of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games squad featured for the national team on 71 occasions and was a member of the 2007 World Championship winning-team.
The three-time Commonwealth Games medallist, Pettitt said it’s hard to put into words how special it is to represent Australia on the international stage.
“I'm so blessed to be able to do all those things and to travel the world and meet some amazing people and teammates who are lifelong friends.
“I think my debut in Melbourne was pretty special. Winning [the 2007] World Champs in New Zealand against New Zealand. And I think [the] Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast I had a really pinch me moment like 'wow, I made it back here' and it was pretty special to have my family in the crowd when I was running out to play in the grand final and playing starting goal attack against England.
“I would never have dreamt that back in 2002 when I made my [national league] debut that I would be at this point and talking about this. I'm over the moon to be part of so many games and very lucky not to have any time out of the game,” Pettitt said.
Diamonds head coach Lisa Alexander said with Susan retiring it was the end of a remarkable netball career.
“Susan is one of our most experienced Diamonds and with her hard work has been involved in a number of successful national team campaigns.
“A versatile goaler, she has proven an important member of the Diamonds attacking third and has always stepped up in important moments for the national team.
“Her ability to reinvent herself as a player has meant that she was able to contribute to the Diamonds over a long period.
“She has had an enormous impact on the playing group over the years, has been a steady head when things got tough and was a great ear for our emerging attackers.
“I wish Susan all the best for the remainder of the season and for what lays ahead in life,” Alexander said.
34-year-old Pettitt will officially call an end to her netball career at the end of the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball season. With the GIANTS sitting in second-place with four rounds left in the regular season, she will be hoping to go out in winning style.
“This year has been an absolute fairy tale. The GIANTS are playing really well too, so it just all kind of fit in well. It was perfect timing, I just knew that I was ready to go on to the next chapter,” Pettitt said.
Background:
Age: 34
Born: Canberra
School: Bega High School
Spouse: Brad Pettitt
Diamonds debut: 2006
Diamonds caps: 71
World Championships:
Gold – Auckland 2007
Commonwealth Games:
Silver – Gold Coast 2018
Silver – Delhi 2010
Silver – Melbourne 2006
