Magic's Sam Sinclair (right). Photo/Michael Bradley Photography
Rotorua's Sam Sinclair has had time to reflect on the a disappointing end to the season with the Waikato-BOP Magic and is philosophical about what it means for the future.
It was a season in which the Magic were left to wonder what could have been as they missed out on playoffs on goal percentage.
However, Sinclair is adamant her side will learn from the experience.
"I think it was a big learning year for us, it was the first year the Magic haven't made the finals and that hurts, definitely.
"What we learnt is that in critical moments throughout the season, and there were numerous, we just couldn't do it and that comes down to a bit of experience at that level.
"It will hold us in good stead for next year because we learnt a lot and how much one goal does matter in the big scheme of things," Sinclair said.
She said teams like the Southern Steel, who won the ANZ Premiership, had the kind of ruthlessness the Magic needed to strive for.
"I think we can really step up next year and be better at asking more of ourselves and of each other.
"Although we didn't finish where we wanted to, every single person in the team improved.
"We were filling up to four positions on court by players who had never played in the ANZ Premiership or didn't have a lot of experience.
"That's one thing to think about - next year we'll be able to fill those positions with experience and people who have been there before."
On a personal level Sinclair was happy with her season.
"This year I took on more of a leadership role, with only three or four of us left from the year before.
"I really embraced that and took up the challenge of being a leader on and off the court - I think that played into my game a bit and I was able to mature in the way I approached and played each game.
"It was a really good stepping stone for me with everything else coming up.
"I can definitely still improve, one of the things we've reflected on is having an attacking unit and a defensive unit who are all on the same page.
"If something's happening in the game everyone knows what to do, if someone has figured us out on attack how can we change it and everyone knows what to do."
Sinclair's form with the Magic saw her selected to trial for the Silver Ferns from July 31 - August 4 in Auckland with the Silver Ferns and Silver Ferns Development Squads to be announced on August 7.
"I'm really looking forward to them, I'm excited about what's to come.
"Obviously because we didn't make top three I've had a bit of extra time off and done some really solid training heading into the trials."
She made her Silver Ferns debut earlier this year on the tour of South Africa and England.
"It was awesome, I think once you get one taste of that black dress and being part of that environment you just want more and more.
"It's something that has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and something I'm really driven to be a part of.
"To be able to represent your country and your family and achieve a goal you've set for yourself is really cool."
Sinclair still remembers being a 12-year-old ball girl when the Silver Ferns played a world team in Rotorua.
"I'd always watched them on TV and I always knew what the Silver Ferns were, but I don't think I really appreciated how intense and tough, and what a privilege it was until I was actually there.
"I wouldn't have it any other way - if it was easy everyone would be there."