That uniform ended the four disappointing years Pettitt was continually overlooked for Diamonds selection, and acts as a symbol of the hard work and commitment she needed to force her way back into the Australian set-up.

It stands out next to the other uniforms she wore for the Diamonds prior to her four-year hiatus from the national team – the current model is the first she's worn since getting married, meaning it's brandished Pettitt instead of her maiden name, Pratley.

"Since I've been married and changed my name I haven't had a green and gold dress so my husband was pretty excited about that," Pettitt said.

"To be back out on the court with the girls was fantastic and to hear our anthem. After the first game against New Zealand I probably reflected a bit and said 'wow that was a hard slog back into the team', but it was really fun and rewarding once I was there.

"For a couple of years there it was really tough going. There were times where I'd miss out on selections and just go 'what am I doing this for?' But again it was about the joy and having fun.

"It was a nice little extra to get the bonus call-up again."

Pettitt's selection proved an inspired choice as Australia went unbeaten through the recent Quad Series with wins over South Africa, New Zealand and England.

But for all the euphoria of Australia's latest international success, the shooter's focus is now aimed at Saturday's season opener against the NSW Swifts, the team she departed last year to take up an opportunity with the newly formed Giants.

Pettitt and Kimberlee Green both made the switch as the Swifts lost six players to the three new teams in the competition. Collingwood and the Sunshine Coast also turned to the Swifts' roster to help build their own.

They're part of a strong side assembled by coach Julie Fitzgerald and should start as warm favourites against the rebuilt Swifts at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, but Pettitt knows her old side will prove to be stiff opposition, despite the heavy losses sustained to their playing list.

"You can never underestimate a young team, the Swifts are a very proud team as well, a proud club.

"They're looking good in pre-season, they've got a lot of pretty good combinations. They can put out a few different things out there and we'll just have to adjust as quick as we can to what they put out on the court.

"People are underestimating them a little bit but I don't think so at all, I think they're a quality side."

Fitzgerald gave her players the weekend off to avoid the sapping heatwave that hit Sydney, but will put her players through several intense sessions this week to complete their preparation for the new competition.

"We've got a few more hit-outs on the course this week and then we're all ready to go," Pettitt said.

"I've been away for a month so the girls have been working hard. They're looking really fantastic so I just have to slot back into the group as quick as I can and get those combinations working."