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AFLW’s Sharni Layton On Why You Need To Take A Risk

Plus, how the netball-legend-turned-AFLW-recruit is learning to be OK with stuffing up - by Alex Davies
  • 26 Mar 2019

Safe to say, it’s been a pretty huge past year for Sharni Layton. Since retiring from the netball court, the 31-year-old athlete has made the switch to a totally new sporting code – AFLW – as a player for Collingwood Football Club. Add to that an engagement to boyfriend Luke Norder as well as a move into TV presenting on Fox Footy’s Bounce, where she joins a panel in recapping the footy week.

Good job this legend has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Here, Sharni shares what she’s learned about embracing the next move, living in the moment and why it’s frickin’ awesome to take a risk.

Tackle challenges head on

“AFLW happens at such a great speed, so one of the biggest challenges is playing the game under pressure. It's a lot to wrap my mind around – nailing skills, getting around my teammates, knowing where to run, getting to ground balls, clunking marks in big packs. But, I've always loved a challenge and my brain is eating up the new information. I have a whole new appreciation for the game, the girls, their skills and how strong and fit they are.” 

RELATED: Sexist Trolls Came For This Photo Of AFLW Star Tayla Harris And Her Response Was Perfect

sharni_layton View Profile
4,854 likes - View Post on Instagram
When you use old skills to your advantage.. For those netty nerds amongst us - I'm meant to tap it out of the middle 🤷‍♀️ #SeeBallGetBall #Improvisation #XCoder #AFLW

Take in every moment

“AFLW is such a supportive environment. I remember my first time playing ruck. It took me a while to wrap my head around the fact that I was going to run in and jump at someone… and may the strongest girl win! I copped a corky from my teammate who giggled, "Welcome to football Sharni – run in and carry on!" I also really appreciate being able to run out onto fields like Victoria Park where Collingwood has so much history, and play at Marvel Stadium with between eight and 10,000 people watching us. Also, the fact that we play where the boys play. My dreams have come true.”

RELATED: Moana Hope On Women In Sport And Work/Life Balance

Be alright with stuffing up

“Elite athletes are perfectionists so [moving into TV presenting] has challenged me in the sense that I need to be OK with learning, not being the best and being OK when I stuff up – I’ll fix it the next time around. We have to do this in many areas of life, so it has definitely prepared me for life after sport which, I'm so grateful for. Fortunately, I've never been camera shy, but it's just about nailing new skills with the whole world watching… and trying to forget that part!”

sharni_layton View Profile
17.1k likes - View Post on Instagram
💥2019 you are off to a cracking start... Especially when the man of my dreams gets down on one knee and makes me the happiest woman in the world. I would like to say I was super cool and yelled yes, but the thought of spending the rest of my life with my soulmate brought me to uncontrollable (happy) tears 😭😂 I'm glad you knew that meant YES! You have no idea the love & happiness you have brought into my life Luke Norder. To me you are kindest, beautiful, spunky, funniest and greatest man in the world... Hugh Jackman will always be the Greatest Showman.. but you will always be the Greatest man. Despite not liking his songs. This post was too soppy so I had to throw a lame joke in. You're welcome.. #ToUs #ImNotCrying #YouAre

Embrace your inner risk-taker

“If you want a change, go for it. If the grass isn't greener, then at least you know. But, you might find you get a whole new lease on life by learning new skills. I believe life rewards those who take risks. It might be asking for a new role in your current workplace or simply keeping an eye out. It's about doing your research and making an informed decision. If you're unsure what to do, ask yourself – what is it you're passionate about? What is your value and where can you apply it? It's pretty daunting going on a show like Bounce with three very good ex-footballers and trying to hold my own. But, I think about what I can add to the panel that they can’t, then use that to my strength.”

Check out Bounce on Fox Footy every Sunday night after the football. For more from Sharni, listen to her chat on our podcast WH Uninterrupted.

  • Lifestyle
  • Women In Sport
Alex Davies
Alex Davies
Alex Davies, Women's Health Features Editor, is a Brit who fell head over heels for the Aussie wellness scene after her first avo toast. You’ll find her brainstorming content over a soy chai latte at her semi-chaotic desk, debriefing with anyone who’ll listen about reality TV or embracing the hygge life with friends and far too many candles.

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