Kelsey Griffin might be one of the few familiar faces remaining at the Canberra Capitals, but she feels there's a similar vibe to when she first joined the WNBL powerhouse three years ago - when they won the first of back-to-back championships.
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The Capitals co-captain also let slip guard Maddison Rocci would be following Marianna Tolo and Keely Froling out the door.
Griffin joined the Capitals ahead of the 2018-19 season and has led the Canberra club to two championships and a semi-finals appearance.
The 33-year-old admitted she'd had other, more-lucrative offers elsewhere, but wanted to be part of coach Paul Goriss's plans for the Capitals' next iteration.
Despite Griffin's retention, it will be something of a fresh start for the Capitals - just as it was when she arrived at the club.
"It was a new beginning three seasons ago and I reckon the last three years have turned out alright so I'm excited to see what this new beginning brings," she said.
"Our focus is going to have to be being a great practicing team. I think that's where we started three years ago.
"It was with championship aspirations, but it really was a day-in, day-out process.
"Because of where we're starting it's going to come down to training and how consistently we can be great at trainings and that's going to have to be our mantra this upcoming season."
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She felt the departures of Rocci and Froling were in the best interests of the players, with the pair going in search of greater opportunities.
Froling has joined the Sydney Flames, while Rocci's move was yet to be announced - although she's been linked with a return to her native Melbourne.
She hoped she could help the next generation of Capitals players improve and then make their mark in the game - even if that meant they left Canberra as well.
"I had conversations with both Maddi Rocci and Keely Froling before they left, and Tolo, and it's all a celebration of their success and what they've been able to do," Griffin said.
"When players move on you have to look at sport as a business. Often times you feel like it's familial and it's really not - it's a business and you need to do what's best for you."
Griffin admitted she had been tempted to leave Canberra as well, but believed in what Goriss was re-building in the capital.
While she's the Capitals' first announcement for the 2021-22 season, it's believed Goriss was close to finalising his roster.
"I definitely was tempted elsewhere, definitely turned down some more lucrative offers to stay here and play with the Caps," Griffin said.
"When it came down to it, it was my belief in 'Goz' and what he's trying to do here, and also his character as a person. I really respect that.
"I also have a full-time job at Radford [College] as well. That's one of those things in women's sport that becomes a challenge - as you're phasing out your career you almost become tied into a place because of where you are."
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
