KEY POINTS:
Tania Dalton's advice to her possible successor Paula Griffin is simple: don't let the pressure get to you - just go out and play and be yourself.
Young Auckland shooter Griffin has a chance to earn a spot in the Silver Ferns side to tour to England in
May and compete in the world championships in November following Dalton's withdrawal yesterday from the New Zealand squad.
Dalton, 35, who made her debut for the Ferns in 1996, said she could no longer continue to manage the commitments required to be part of the national team's 2007 programme.
Dalton, mother of 5-year-old Tayla and 2-year-old Charlie, has also withdrawn from the Southern Sting, a decision she spent four hours agonising over with Sting coach Robyn Broughton on Saturday.
Dalton said: "It is a huge decision but I just looked at what is required for the whole year and I just couldn't physically do it all and do it well.
"Not just the netball but my family and the whole she-bang. I am a big believer if you are going do to something do it well or don't do it at all."
Following the withdrawal of Belinda Colling, Dalton answered an SOS call from the Silver Ferns last year for the series against Australia in October, something very few players could have done.
"I actually thought at the end of the Sting last year that was it.
"I went on holiday and then got called into Southland due to injury and into the Silver Ferns due to pregnancy.
"Being part of that team with Casey [Williams], Maria [Tutaia] and Laura [Langman] - the future of the game - to have played with them has been very cool."
If the world championships had remained in July, Dalton said she might have been tempted to stay on.
The Silver Ferns will be looking to head into November's worlds in Auckland with an even split of four shooters, four midcourters and four defenders. Irene van Dyk, Tutaia and Jodi Te Huna look set to claim three of the spots, but the fourth is wide open.
Griffin, who is more of a specialist goal shoot, is probably the front runner to be picked ahead of Daneka Wipiiti, Jade Topia, Tanya Lund and Hayley Stockman.
However, a lot will depend on performances in this year's National Bank Cup.
Dalton said Griffin has a great work ethic.
"I sort of think, 'Don't put pressure on her to perform, if she is ready she will, if not she is still a player of the future'.
"I think it is important for her to go and play and be herself and whatever comes from it, so be it," said Dalton, who hasn't ruled out coaching in the future.
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said Dalton's resilience would be missed.
"She's a real toughie and a great team member. You can rely on her to support people on and off the court and to give her absolute best.
"She is one of those people who helps a team get that real rock-solid feel."
Aitken said Dalton's withdrawal was an opportunity for other shooters to step up and prove themselves.
"It is a huge opportunity for some of those knocking on the door to really show during the National Bank Cup that they are ready to be seriously looked at."
No further additions have been made to Silver Ferns squad of 15. The next squad camp is in Auckland in March.
Julie Ash
* Positions: GS, GA.
* Born: November 26, 1971.
* Height: 1.84m.
* Test caps: 13.
* 2003: Member of world championship-winning side.
