As the Northern Mystics desperately tried to claw back lost ground in the final minutes of their clash against the Central Pulse last night, captain Anna Harrison was holding back her tears.
Realising that her side would not be able to secure their spot in the playoffs as the Pulsesurged ahead to a 55-48 victory, Harrison was hit with the reality of her retirement.
"In the last minute, I was like 'ok we're not going to get those last goals in and this is it' so there was a bit of deep breathing going on in those last minutes to control the emotion," Harrison told Radio Sport.
"It's still sinking in, it's not all tears but it's a big part of your life that you're letting go."
The former Silver Ferns defender, who played 53 tests for the national side, was a key part in the Ferns' 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth gold medal-winning campaigns.
The 35-year-old then signed with the Mystics for the 2011 ANZ Championship season and had remained loyal to her Auckland side since.
Although disappointed to leave the Premiership empty handed and without a shot at the finals, Harrison said she couldn't complain.
"I came into the game thinking that it wasn't going to be my last one, I had the faith that we could do it and unfortunately we didn't bring our A game."
"But I can't really complain about the season, these girls have been awesome and a great environment for me to finish up my career."
Anna Harrison played 53 tests for the Silver Ferns. Photo / Getty
Unsure about what her netball future held or whether she would use her Physiotherapy degree to launch a new career, Harrison said she wouldn't rule anything out.
"I guess the scary part is I'm not quite sure, I've got a degree but I'm not sure if I want to use it and it's finding something that I love and want to put as much time and energy into as I did with my sport."
"[Coaching] interests me but I'm not sure how and whether it would be immediate future of later down the track."
"I'm known to say never say never but yes I'm calling time ... this one has been a tough decision but I've always wanted to be in control of it and not be weaned out of the game ... so to leave when I'm feeling good and in control is a nice feeling."
Known for her innovative defence tactics, the Mystics skipper was sure to make her final professional netball outing one for the highlights reel.
Up to her usual tricks, Harrison sprung off the thigh of fellow defender Phoenix Karaka in an attempt to block Pulse shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
The audacious jump named the "Phoenix Launch Pad" by Harrison herself, is sure to be remembered alongside the defender's signature "Harrison Hoist" which sees one defender lift the other in order to gain elevation.
Harrison said although the daring feat would need some fine tuning she was hopeful someone would give it a go in the future.
"It was something I've wanted to do for a while and I thought no better time to do it than in possibly your last game ever," she said after the match.
