The Canberra Capitals co-captain's second anterior cruciate ligament tear cost her a shot at the world championships, and surgery on a torn meniscus kept her out even longer.

"I know when something like that happens, you can go so negative and go really internal," Tolo said.

The value of Tolo's support network can never be understated. An incredible pillar over the past 17 years has been Capitals coach Paul Goriss, who was left in tears following Tolo's inspirational return.

Now it is Lifeline Canberra ambassador Tolo's turn to be that safety net. This time for teammate Kristy Wallace, ahead of the Capitals' clash with Bendigo in the WNBL Lifeline round at Bendigo Stadium on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old tore her ACL two days after making her long-awaited comeback from a knee reconstruction last month. When she was helped to her feet, the Opals squad member stared down the barrel of another surgery and almost a year of rehabilitation.

"What Kristy Wallace is going through at the moment, having nine months of rehab and then having that happen again, that’s when you lean on your support systems, and family and friends around you," Tolo said.

"That’s why it was important for us to make sure Wally had that chance to go and spend time with friends over there [in Hawaii, after the Capitals passed the bucket to raise money for a trip], to get time away and a mental break.

"It is tough, it’s tough to deal with, and it’s comforting knowing there are people around you that will help. They see what you go through and the rough times in how long you’ve been out for, so to have them there beside you really helps and means a lot.

"When it first happened I made sure to try and talk her through it. For her, it was just to try to change her mindset around. Instead of going ‘poor me, I have to do nine months again’, just focus on what you are doing right now and in the immediate future.

"Looking too far ahead will not do anything for you... She has a chance to play Tokyo 2020, which can be her goal and she can work towards that."

The WNBL's Lifeline round was an initiative driven by Melbourne Boomers captain Jenna O'Hea after her uncle, Fergus O'Hea, took his own life on December 14 last year.

Two days later she took to the court for the Boomers. It was supposed to be a way of dealing with grief, but instead she couldn't think. Running plays was the last thing on her mind, so she told coach Guy Molloy to sit her out.

A day later she was on her laptop searching for ways to help others at risk. The Boomers rushed to take part in a fundraiser, but they knew there was scope to go bigger. Now every club in the league is on board.

"Unfortunately it’s horrible that it has come from tragic circumstances of Jenna O’Hea’s family member, but hopefully we create some awareness and encourage some people to reach out to Lifeline that wouldn’t have originally done so," Tolo said.

"That’s an important message, no matter who is around you, to make sure they have some kind of support system and to know they are cared for.

"To tell people you love them, you care for them, that you love them, you’re there for them if they need anything."

WNBL ROUND 15

Saturday: Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals at Bendigo Stadium, 3pm

Lifeline round initiatives: Every team will donate $100 for every three-pointer they make. Lifeline has also created a special donation portal where supporters can send "WNBL" in a text message to 0427 992 713 to donate.

For help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78, visit lifeline.org.au or mensline.org.au