Look for the definition of unsung hero and there is a good chance you will find two words: Mikaela Ruef.
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The Canberra Capitals forward has lost count of how many hours she has spent training with no guarantee of playing a WNBL game.
American product Ruef is still waiting on immigration officials to tick off her citizenship paperwork before she can feature in the Capitals' championship defence, with Canberra's two import slots filled.
All she can do is train and hope her application is cleared before the Capitals meet the Southside Flyers in a top of the table clash at the National Convention Centre on Sunday.
"I really respect that, she hasn't whinged or complained about doing that. That's really tough to do," Canberra co-captain Marianna Tolo said.
"I know some of our younger girls do the same thing. They come in day in, day out, train and give their best and don't get to suit up on the weekend.
"Unfortunately for Mik, she has been a bit unlucky in that process and just not being able to get that residency sorted. We really appreciate everything she gives us.
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"That gives you a little bit of fire to perform at your best because you know there are people who want to be on the court contributing, but they don't get that opportunity.
"Every time you step onto the court, you've got to make the most of it."
The Capitals will need to do just that when they hunt for their 17th consecutive win on home court against the competition front-runners this week.
A nine-day turnaround has given Canberra a chance to get plenty of time at practice together ahead of the star-studded showdown with the Flyers.
"We're pretty fortunate in that sense, that it's a single game this weekend and it's on Sunday. You can't get much better than that," Tolo said.
"The onus is on us now to make sure we're ready to go when game time comes on Sunday."
Tolo and co-captain Kelsey Griffin will play key roles for the Capitals having been named in the Australian Opals squad for the final step towards qualifying for the Olympic Games.
The Canberra duo - and three Southside rivals in Leilani Mitchell, Sra Blicavs, and Jenna O'Hea - are in a 20-player squad for February's FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in France.
The Opals will need to finish in the top three of their group, which includes France, Puerto Rico and Brazil, to qualify for the Tokyo Games.
WNBL ROUND NINE
Sunday: Canberra Capitals v Southside Flyers at National Convention Centre, 5pm. Tickets from Ticketek.