KEY POINTS:
Sheryl Scanlan's hard work in the off season has been rewarded with a place in the Silver Ferns squad.
Netball New Zealand yesterday announced the former Silver Ferns defender had been added to the squad after impressing national selectors in recent training camps.
Scanlan, who debuted for the
Silver Ferns in 2000, last played for the side in 2005 before taking time out to have son Jafeth, who is now seven months old.
The selectors felt Scanlan's performances in the last two training camps had warranted her recall.
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said Scanlan had taken the chances presented to her and proven herself in the Silver Ferns squad environment.
"Sheryl has put in the hard work over the last six months and has shown she has both the drive and determination to make it back into the squad.
"She provides valuable options in defence and the experience she brings with her [42 caps] is a boost for the squad," Aitken said.
Scanlan, 29, resumed light training six weeks after having her son.
"I have probably worked the hardest I have ever worked to be honest," Scanlan said.
"I did find it difficult training on my own, sometimes I have lacked motivation, but this time I really wanted to get fit for the National Bank Cup, that was my aim."
Although the Silver Ferns are not short of defenders with Casey Williams, Anna Scarlett, Leana du Bruin and Joline Henry, the retirement of the Vilimaina Davu last year has left the side wanting in terms of sheer power.
The explosive Scanlan is capable of filling that role and in the past has proved one of the best at shutting down Australia's shooting maestro Sharelle McMahon.
However Scanlan is aware she has a little way to go before she is in a position to tackle McMahon again.
"Compared to previous years the young ones [New Zealand defenders] are coming through and playing awesome netball. I guess that is another motivation for me to train harder. The world championships are something I would love to play in and am aspiring to play in but the competition is so much harder now."
The Silver Ferns will have one more camp next month before the start of the National Bank Cup in April.
A New Zealand team will then be selected to tour England in May.
SHERYL SCANLAN
Positions: GD, WD
Born: September 8, 1977
Height: 1.78m
Tests: 42
Playing history
2000-2005: Silver Ferns squad, member of 2003 world championship winning team.
2000: Silver Ferns debut v South Africa
1995-96: NZ Under-21 squad
National Bank Cup:
1998-2005, 2007: North Harbour Force