GIANTS Goal Shooter Caitlin Bassett has today announced she will depart the club and continue her playing career in New Zealand.
The decision for Bassett to end her contract early and part ways with the club was a mutual agreement between both parties.
Bassett has secured a one-year deal, with the option of a second year, with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership competition.
Bassett was not part of the preferred starting line-up for the GIANTS in the second half of the 2020 season with the 32-year old opting to explore a fresh start in the hope of extending her glittering career.
“My time with the GIANTS didn’t play out as anticipated and I guess that’s just sport sometimes,” said Bassett.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that the club provided me and the friendships that I’ve made, but I need to make the right decision for what’s best for me and my netball career moving forward.
“I’m sad to say goodbye to the GIANTS, and I’d like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, corporate partners and all of the fans for their continued support, and I wish them all of the best for next season.”
GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald wished Bassett the best of luck at her new home.
“Caitlin and I had some open and honest discussions at the back half of the season and we both agree that the time is right for her to explore other opportunities,” said Fitzgerald.
“Caitlin has made an enormous contribution to Netball in this country and I think she’ll thoroughly enjoy the environment of Magic and Netball in New Zealand.
“We thank Caitlin for her contribution to growing GIANTS Netball and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.”
Bassett will head to New Zealand in the new year to join the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in preparation for the 2021 season.
“I couldn’t be more excited to head to New Zealand and join the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic,” said Bassett.
“To experience the game in another country and play alongside and against some of the world’s best netballers is a really exciting challenge and valuable experience for me.
“I’ve spoken with coach Amigene Metcalfe and I’m really excited by her vision for the club and the role I can play in developing the team. I can’t wait to meet everyone and start playing in front of a Kiwi crowd.”
Bassett will remain eligible for the Australian Diamonds despite not taking part in the Suncorp Super Netball competition in 2021.
Bassett was named in the 2020/2021 national squad by new Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich last month.
“While we are disappointed that Caitlin has decided to leave our domestic competition, we acknowledge and value her contribution to the league over many years and respect her decision to move to the New Zealand competition,” said Marinkovich.
“Caitlin is a valued member of the Origin Diamonds squad and we look forward to working with her and the rest of the group as we prepare for the resumption of international competition in 2021.”
The GIANTS will announce a replacement for Bassett in the coming weeks.
