Commonwealth Games: Roller-coaster year ends in gold for Scarlett

A roller-coaster year for Anna Scarlett continued in like fashion today when she assumed the unexpected role of super-sub in the Silver Ferns' stunning defence of their Commonwealth Games netball title in New Delhi.

Scarlett spent the first half of a pulsating final against Australia on the bench.

When she came on at the start of the second half, it was as wing defence, rather her more usual positions in the defensive circle.

But her impact was immediate as she pulled off intercepts and made tips, helping the Silver Ferns turn a three-goal halftime deficit into a two-goal lead at end of the third quarter.

With 10 minutes to go in normal time, she went off with an injured finger, only to be put back on when a thrilling contest went into extra time.

Scarlett, 27, first made her Silver Ferns debut back in 2002.

She won 39 caps and was part of the 2003 world champion and 2006 Commonwealth gold medal-winning teams before deciding to pursue a beach volleyball career.

Claiming a second gold in New Delhi hadn't been something she imagined possible when she decided to return to netball this year.

It had also further justified her decision to switch back from beach volleyball.

"It was a very tough decision, stopping and letting that Olympic dream go," she said.

"This makes it feel better. I'm in a pretty happy space at the moment."

Scarlett said the victory today felt better than the one in Melbourne, when she was replaced at halftime, adding that the game had mirrored her year.

"To play an hour and a half of netball and come out on top -- it's been a roller coaster year and a roller coaster game."

Coach Ruth Aitken said she introduced the 1.87m defender into the game because the Silver Ferns needed more turnover ball in front of the circle.

"Their shooters were performing extremely well and we had to look to shut that ball down earlier," Aitken said.

"Her long arms and long legs just caused havoc. She did exactly what she was supposed to do."