Already one of the world's best goalkeepers, Sharni Layton is eyeing another role for Australia's netball Test series against New Zealand this month.
The retirement of veteran goal defender Julie Corletto, as well as Bec Bulley, has left an opening in that role in the Diamonds line-up for the four-Test Constellation Cup campaign against the Silver Ferns.
Australian skipper Laura Geitz has a firm grip on Layton's favoured goalkeeper role, so the NSW Swifts star sees goal defence as an opportunity to become a regular starter.
"I've been on and off the court pretty much since I made the Australian team ... there's an opportunity for me to be able to train hard and try to step up so it's an exciting time," said 27-year-old Layton.
Following Australia's third successive World Cup triumph in August Layton took a short break before knuckling down to push her case for selection.
"I'm not as strong in goal defence as I am in keeper but I want to be and I've been working really hard over the last month," said Layton, who can also play wing defence.
"We've been doing a lot of fitness; shuttle runs and bike sessions, as well as weights and court work."
Layton's biggest rivals for the starting role are Geitz's Firebirds defence partner Clare McMeniman and West Coast Fever's April Letton.
"Clare and Laura obviously have a really great combination from playing together at Firebirds and April's an amazing goal defence as well," he said.
"They play goal defence all season so I've got to go out and do as much as I can."
Australia beat New Zealand 58-55 to claim the title of world champions for the third straight time and Layton predicted their arch-rivals would be stinging from the defeat.
The Constellation Cup is also the Silver Ferns' last series under retiring coach Waimarama Taumaunu.
"They're going to come out firing and they've only made one change which shows how serious they are," Layton said.
"But we have this title we want to hold and protect and show people that world wasn't a one-off.
"We've got new players coming in so it's going to be an exciting challenge."
The opening Test is Tuesday Oct 20 in Christchurch.
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