The Canberra Capitals assistant isn't quite sure what it was, but something changed.

Same goes for whenever Marianna Tolo speaks - they all listen.

That's why Capitals coach Paul Goriss didn't think twice about re-appointing them as co-captains in Canberra's hunt for successive WNBL titles.

But Griffin will be the lone leader on court in Canberra's season opener with Marianna Tolo set to miss the Adelaide Lightning clash due to a foot infection.

"You could almost say she is the yin to my yang in a sense," Griffin said.

"Tolo really does a great job with team chemistry and off-court, keeping us organised and knowing what's going on. I don't have to worry too much about that.

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"I bring a little bit more as far as game play planning, thinking of plays and strategy-wise.

"It's not to say either of us can't do the opposite but I think we both really fit each other in that sense, which makes us a really good duo."

Tolo has seen captains come and go amid huge periods of player turnover - that's why linking up with Griffin again made sense.

"That's part of what we wanted, a bit of continuity between seasons. There is always going to be changes, but to have a solid base and a core group to continue from, that really helps," Tolo said.

"Everyone that has played here before knows Kelsey and I and knows how we like to be captains.

"The way we do captain makes it easy for people to come along on the ride with us, and that will be clear for those new ones coming in."

WNBL ROUND ONE

Sunday: Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena, 1.30pm.