Any milestone match is special, but the 100-match milestone will be made extra special with the match being played in her home state, Western Australia.
While Sydney is currently home for the Diamonds captain, Perth is where she grew up and first started to make a name for herself on the netball scene.
When reflecting on the match Bassett said she is most looking forward to just playing in front of her parents and sister.
“They’ve been travelling around following me on my netball career for years, so it will be nice to save them some money this time,” she joked.
“I started my journey here in WA and I still consider it my home – even though I am blessed to have a few homes now.
“But to get out there in front on the crowd that first saw me early in my career is pretty exciting.
“I’ve got some of the girls coming along that I grew up playing netball with and I caught up with Sam Andrews, my first captain at the Perth Orioles (now known as West Coast Fever), the other day, so it’s really special to be able to have those sort of people in the crowd.”
This isn’t the first milestone for the Diamonds this series, with coach Lisa Alexander notching up her 100th game as national coach during their win in Auckland.
“I think we did find extra motivation to get the win for Lisa,” Bassett said.
“A milestone is fantastic, but for me it’s about the tradition that we’ve had, and in the past we’ve successfully retained the Constellation Cup so many times, so for me as captain it’s that motivation to want to do what others did before me.”
The match has more significance than just a milestone, with the Diamonds currently behind in the series 1-2, with a convincing win crucial to retaining the trophy.
When asked about the fairy-tale finish, Bassett said she is just concentrating on what she needs to do as a player.
“Ultimately my goal in that circle is grabbing the ball and trying to shoot as many goals as I can,” she said.
“As long as I focus on that and making sure my team is happy, comfortable and confident off the court.
“I think the best thing I can do is lead by example and the result will take care of itself.”
Reflecting on her career and journey as both a player and a leader, the GIANTS shooter said it’s not just about what she is doing on the court, but off the court.
“My passion is about developing this game for female athletes,” she said.
“I think what it’s helped me do and what it’s done for me personally and what it can do for other females all across the world and it’s is just absolutely amazing and I think everyone should have the opportunity to play the sport they love,” Bassett told GIANTS Netball Media.
The Australian Diamonds will play their fourth and final match of the series this Sunday, October 27, at RAC Arena in Perth.
