Aitken a hurdle to Scarlett's comeback

Published: 10:05AM Thursday January 21, 2010 Source: NZPA

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  • Aitken a hurdle to Scarlett's comeback (Source: Photosport)
    Anna Scarlett - Source: Photosport

Anna Scarlett says there would need to be a change of coach for the Silver Ferns before her international netball career can be revived.

Scarlett, now a professional beach volleyball player aiming to make the New Zealand contingent for the 2012 London Olympics, was dropped by Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken on the eve of the 2007 world championship.

Scarlett, 26, preparing for the New Zealand Open beach volleyball tournament starting in Auckland on Friday told The New Zealand Herald that moment "will always be a real sore spot in my sporting career".

"My goal was to be in the starting line-up and win the world champs in 2007.

"I desperately wanted that. I won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, I was at the 2003 world champs but didn't get on the court, so I really wanted to be a key player.

"It wasn't to be ... I didn't really know where I stood in that team."

Asked whether the coach would have to change before she attempted an international comeback, Scarlett said: "I think so, yes. A few things might need to change for me to go back but I do miss the sport. I'd be lying if I said I didn't."

Scarlett played for Auckland-Waitakere in last year's national provincial netball championship.

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