Bassett set for first Sydney netball derby

Tuesday, 23 April 2019:

CAITLIN BASSETT of the Lightning throws the ball prior to Super Netball match between the Vixens and the Lightning at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
CAITLIN BASSETT of the Lightning throws the ball prior to Super Netball match between the Vixens and the Lightning at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Australia.


A broken arm wasn't the first impression that Giants' prized recruit Caitlin Bassett wanted to make but the superstar is fit and ready to fire in Sunday's Super Netball derby.

Bassett broke her left arm while captaining Australia during a practice match in England in January.

The Diamonds sharpshooter, who joined the Giants after winning two titles with Sunshine Coast Lightning, was a bystander throughout the majority of her new club's pre-season.

Bassett, crowned MVP during the 2018 Super final, is now ready to make her club debut and take on the NSW Swifts in this weekend's season opener.

"She's probably the biggest signing in NSW ... I always joke around with her, that I don't know if we spent the money right," Giants captain Kim Green said.

"She's been back on court this week and last, and she had a hit-out against the Swifts last week and did really well."

Green admitted that Bassett's setback was disruptive given the shooter was unable to do much on-court work with new teammates.

But the Giants captain added her club wasn't alone on that front.

"It's been a disruptive pre-season for most teams. We had the quad-series in England at the start of the year and you saw quite a few people come back from that with niggles," Green said.

"Every team is in the same position. It's just unfortunate that C-Bass came back with a broken arm."

Green and Swifts counterpart Maddy Proud joined AFL stars Stephen Coniglio and Dane Rampe for a joint press conference on Tuesday, with Saturday's SCG derby followed by Sunday's clash at Sydney Olympic Park.

Proud and Green both suggested the netball derby had gone from strength to strength since the Giants' maiden season in 2017.

"In netball it's a bit unique in that we train at the same venues, our changerooms literally face each other," Proud told reporters.

"We get to see each other a lot during the week, so you always want to be the team come Monday morning that is standing a bit taller."






AAP






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