Netball
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Diamonds defender Sharni Layton withdraws with exhaustion

Netball

Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander says the sudden withdrawal of star defender Sharni Layton due to exhaustion will galvanise the squad ahead of this month's Quad Series.

The 29-year-old Layton will take a leave of absence from netball after extensive consultation with medical experts and hopes to return in time to defend gold at next year's Commonwealth Games.

Alexander would not reveal the exact nature of Layton's plight, or how it came to light.

"Athletes are finely tuned and it gets to a point where it's hard to do the things she needs to do," the Diamonds' coach said.

"It was multi-factorial, but I can't go into detail ... it was the doctor's call, as it always is with me, and we'll make sure she gets the treatment she needs."

A veteran of 46 Tests since her 2011 debut, Layton has been named in every Diamonds touring team since September 2013, after a shoulder injury had sidelined her from international duties in 2012.

"She's had probably four years full bore; it's a mighty effort," Alexander said.

"Sharni has represented and led our country with her heart on her sleeve, but is in need of a break."

Diamonds squad members enjoyed four weeks off after the Super Netball season before reuniting in late July for a training camp in Canberra.

They are training in small groups in their respective states ahead of the Quad Series, which begins on August 26 in Brisbane.

Dismayed to lose a key member of her world-beating unit, Alexander said it would only spur the team on.

"They're like my daughters. It is upsetting, but this will galvanise us and she'll be supporting from the sidelines," the coach said.

Melbourne Vixens rising star Emily Mannix has been called into the Diamonds' squad as a replacement.

The Quad Series involves netball heavyweights Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa.

Australia start against England in Brisbane, before meeting South Africa in Canberra (August 30) and New Zealand in Invercargill (September 3).

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