Caitlin Bassett is determined to reignite her netball magic in New Zealand.
The 32-year-old Australian Diamonds captain will play for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the 2021 ANZ Premiership, after sitting on the bench for most of last year's Suncorp Super Netball competition with the Sydney-based Giants.
Bassett'sinitial decision to sever ties with the Giants was down to a lack of minutes, which she said - at the time of confirming her departure - was frustrating.
Coach Julie Fitzgerald opted to play long range shooters Jo Harten and Kiera Austin instead, leaving the 100-test shooter on the sideline.
Bassett told Newstalk ZB sport it knocked her confidence, and she got to a point where she had to do something about it.
"I've played netball at an elite level for such a long time now, and a little bit of the love has gone. It feels like I'm going through the motions at times."
Bassett says being in New Zealand will challenge her and do wonders for her game.
The veteran is still passionate about playing for Australia, and wants to secure another Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup gold medal. In order to do so, game time is imperative.
"If I need to move across the ditch for a little while and make some new friends I'm more than happy to make that sacrifice.
"I could've stayed in Australia and sat on the bench somewhere, but I don't want to. I know I'm better than that, and I know that I can improve so much more."
Bassett came on to the international scene when tall, holding shooters weren't the norm – aside from Silver Fern legend Irene van Dyk, who Bassett described as unstoppable.
The veteran says her past combination with Natalie Medhurst – which helped establish ongoing success for the Diamonds on the world stage - gave her a lot of confidence. But she admits things have changed, as defenders are more athletic and the game is more physical.
Caitlin Bassett playing for Australia. Photo / Photosport
Bassett wants to be a dominant presence in the Magic shooting circle.
"I want to add more movement into my game by shooting longer shots, and getting out of the goal circle to involve the goal attack more underneath the post," Bassett says. "I want to get out there and demand the ball."
The Magic have a new look team to boast, with defender Temalisi Fakahokotau shifting north from the Tactix, Bassett arriving from Australia, and specialist wing attack Grace Kara returning to the side after being axed from the Northern Stars.
Bassett's looking forward to building a combination with Kara.
"Grace is an amazing player. I've watched her while playing against the Ferns, feeding Irene van Dyk and the other shooters."
Bassett's also impressed by Magic defender Erena Mikaere, who helped lure her over this side of the Tasman. The pair played together at the West Coast Fever and Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia.
"Erena is like a sister to me. When I was talking about what I wanted to do, she would answer all of my annoying questions," Bassett says. "I find her one of the hardest defenders to play on, she's unpredictable and her vertical jump is absolutely insane."
Bassett will join the Magic after the Constellation Cup, which runs from March 2 to 8. The four-match series will be the first time the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds have played since 2019.
Bassett admits it is going to be a tough series for the Diamonds.
"I know Noeline Taurua well, and I know they're gunning to take that Constellation Cup trophy off us, which we've held since 2011.
"It's been too long since I've pulled on the green and gold dress, and I'm excited to get together with my teammates to start training."
Bassett says there have been hurdles in planning the series, with quarantine and managing new Covid-19 outbreaks.
She adds once the team gets on the plane the excitement will kick in.
