She might be heading off to a record fifth World Cup, but Silver Ferns defender Leana de Bruin says the excitement of boarding a plane ahead of a big tournament still hasn't worn off.
The 12-strong Silver Ferns line-up fly out for Sydney this afternoon ahead of their World Cupopener against Barbados on Friday. A large gathering of family and friends were at Auckland airport to see the team off, as well as students from Mangere's Viscount School, where family members of both Bailey Mes and Grace Rasmussen teach.
The students later performed a moving haka for the team in the departures area - a tribute that brought tears to the eyes of some of the team.
With this World Cup to be de Bruin's last, the veteran defender said this time the departure routine has been more emotional than most.
"It was funny last night packing all my bags I got a little bit emotional thinking this is definitely the last time this will be happening," said de Bruin, who attended her first World Cup in 1999 with South Africa.
"But yeah, I'm buzzing I'm really excited to get going."
At the other end of the spectrum, rookie shooter Malia Paseka is heading off to her first World Cup. The 20-year-old proved she still has a bit to learn about touring life, after arriving at the airport late.
"I kept getting messages saying 'where are you?' and it was only when I starting getting a few of them I was like 'hang on, did I get the time wrong?'." "Not a great start, but I'm here."
The Silver Ferns will be hosted for dinner tonight at the Canterbury Bulldogs rugby league club, which his headed by former Netball NZ chief executive Raelene Castle.
