The 28-year-old heads into next month’s four-game Constellation Cup series against New Zealand’s Silver Ferns on the back of three solid performances in the recent Netball Quad Series. With Layton in the starting seven for all three of the Diamonds’ hit-outs, the co-hosts scored good wins over South Africa (68-43), England (66-46) and New Zealand (60-55).

Australia will open its Constellation Cup campaign against New Zealand at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on October 9. Their October 12 match-up in Launceston is already sold-out. The series will conclude with clashes in Auckland and Invercargill on October 15 and 20.

The fierce and passionate 188cm-tall Layton went into the Quad Series coming off arguably the best ANZ Championship season of her career despite the NSW Swifts’ grand final loss to three-time champs the Queensland Firebirds. Now a regular in the Diamonds’ backcourt, Layton says she is ready to put to rest any demons which may have previously haunted her step up from domestic to international netball.

“There’s still definitely a lot of room for me to grow on the international stage,” Layton told Inside Sport. “That’s probably the one thing I’ve struggled with the most in the past, transferring my ANZ Championship performances over to internationals. But it’s exciting to be able to continue to grow.”

(Photo by Getty Images)

Layton was recently announced as part of the newly formed Collingwood Magpies side which will contest the inaugural National Netball League in 2017. But before all that gets underway, there’s the Constellation series to wrestle with.

“Whether in the past having played goal defence, wing defence or goalkeeper, anytime you get the opportunity to represent your country, you’re always putting that best foot forward,” Layton said.

“I think it’s really important to know that no position is ever given, especially in that Australian environment. You have to fight for it every time and that’s why the Diamonds are so successful. It’s not just because of the seven on the court, it’s those off it who are always pushing for those spots. As a player, I still think I definitely have room for growth and I’m really excited about continuing to work on that.”