Origin Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett has today announced she will depart GIANTS Netball and the Suncorp Super Netball league to play with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic within New Zealand’s domestic competition, the ANZ Premiership, in 2021.
Bassett will join the Magic on a one-year deal with the option of a second year and will head to New Zealand in the new year to join the team in preparation for the 2021 season.
Bassett was recently named in the 2020/21 Origin Australian Diamonds squad which will prepare to take on New Zealand in a Constellation Cup series in early 2021.
Australian Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich said it’s unfortunate to see Bassett leave the Suncorp Super Netball league but that she will remain part of the Origin Diamonds program.
“While we are disappointed that Caitlin has decided to leave our domestic competition, we acknowledge and value her contribution to the league over many years and respect her decision to move to the New Zealand competition,” she said.
“Caitlin is a valued member of the Origin Diamonds squad and we look forward to working with her and the rest of the group as we prepare for the resumption of international competition in 2021.”
Bassett made the decision to play in the ANZ Premiership to ensure that she continued to progress on court and develop her game, and she remains committed to the Origin Diamonds program.
“I’ve had great conversations with key people within the Diamonds programs and we all agree that court time is essential for my development,” she said.
“My intention is to be a key part of our Birmingham Commonwealth Games team in 2022, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the squad while playing for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic next year.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to head to New Zealand and join the Magic. To experience the game in another country and play alongside and against some of the world’s best netballers is a really exciting challenge and valuable experience for me.
“I’ve spoken with coach Amigene Metcalfe and I’m really excited by her vision for the club and the role I can play in developing the team. We have a team capable of playing finals, and I can’t wait to meet everyone and start playing in front of a Kiwi crowd.
“I’m sad to say goodbye to the GIANTS, and I’d like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, corporate partners and all of the fans for their continued support, and I wish them all of the best for next season.”
After two years with the club, GIANTS Netball have released Bassett from her three-year contract.
GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald said: “Caitlin and I had some open and honest discussions at the back half of the season and we both agree that the time is right for her to explore other opportunities.”
“Caitlin has made an enormous contribution to netball in this country and I think she’ll thoroughly enjoy the environment of Magic and netball in New Zealand. We thank Caitlin for her contribution to growing GIANTS Netball and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.”
Magic Head Coach Amigene Metcalfe said: “The entire team is really excited to have Caitlin join the Magic family.”
“She brings a lot of experience and knowledge of the game which will be extremely beneficial. Our wider netball community will also have the opportunity to see a superstar in action which will bring huge value to our sport.”
