Netball World Cup: Retiring Corletto relies on sage advice

Julie Corletto. Photo / Getty Images

Whenever Julie Corletto feels overwhelmed on the netball court, she recalls a piece of simple advice Liz Ellis gave her during her Diamonds debut.

The tireless 28-year-old defender admits she was freaked out when she played her first game for Australia against Jamaica at the raw age of 20.

"I remember being quite scared and quite nervous," said Corletto, who played that game in her preferred position of goal defence.

Alongside her in goal keeper was the experienced Ellis, who was nearing retirement and already had more than 100 test caps.

"I remember Liz Ellis said to me 'Just take a deep breath and smile. You've done all the preparation, just enjoy it'," Corletto recalled. "And I still remember that moment 'til today.

"Sometimes if I'm getting nervous I'll just remind myself that we've done all the preparation, we know what we have to do, and just smile and enjoy the experience."

The guidance has now held Corletto in good stead for 50 test appearances for Australia. She celebrated the feat at the Netball World Cup on Tuesday night with a win against England.

Already twice a world champion in 2007 and 2011, she's hoping to take a hat-trick in front of a home crowd before retiring at the end of the tournament.

"That would be like a fairytale ending, and something that I'd obviously love to happen," Corletto said.

"Playing in front of that many fans and family would just be an unreal way to go out."

As a senior member of the team and also managing a troublesome knee, it hasn't been easy for Corletto to pause and enjoy her final moments on the international stage.

"Everything's just going so quickly," she said. "I will have to make sure that I do take a moment to step back and soak it all up, really embrace it and take it all in.

"The main thing that I'll miss is seeing the girls and everyone day in, day out in the netball season and then in the international season.

"But I think that's the best thing about netball - the lifelong friends you take away from it."

- AAP