Fifteen years ago, a 16-year-old schoolgirl by the name of Caitlin Bassett debuted for the Perth Orioles in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy.
Waiting for her in the goal circle was Australian Diamonds goalkeeper and then-captain, Liz Ellis.
At that moment, little did anyone know that this schoolkid would go on to follow in the footsteps of her opponent, Ellis, and not only become one of the country’s best netballers, but one day take on the role of Diamonds captain too.
Juggling school, netball and travel, Bassett remained with the Orioles in the Commonwelath Bank Trophy (CBT) before they became the West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championship.
After 12 years of representing her home state, Bassett made the decision to depart for the Sunshine Coast to represent one of the three new foundation clubs that were introduced as part of the newly established Australian Suncorp Super Netball League.
During her time with the Lightning, Bassett won back-to-back Suncorp Super Netball titles, including an MVP performance in the 2018 final against her former team, the West Coast Fever.
Fifteen years, and four teams later, on Tuesday night Bassett took the court for her 200th national league game.
Reflecting on the milestone match, Bassett said the time has passed quickly.
“I remember my 100th match like it was just yesterday,” she said.
Her two premierships with the Sunshine Coast Lightning were noted as career highlights so far.
“They’re always great, but for me as well it’s about seeing other players develop and developing myself,” she said.
“I started out as a fairly shy player and the confidence I’ve gotten off my teammates and some of the girls I’ve got to work and play with have definitely been highlights for me.
“I’ve had the privilege to play against some fantastic opponents, both nationally and internationally.
“And to be playing in the best competition in the world, you got to stop and pinch yourself.”
Across the 15 years, there have been three different formats of competition.
“Being someone that played in the CBT days, I think it’s really important to share the stories of what netball was like back then and how far it’s come,” said Bassett.
“We’ve been extremely lucky that the players in the past like Bianca Chatfield, Liz Ellis and Sharelle McMahon, have really pushed for things like player wellbeing, better pay and even pushed for a players association; all these basic things that I guess young girls coming in now might take for granted.
“I do remind them of what it was like back in the day and hopefully they’ll appreciate all the hard work that was done before them.”
Fittingly it was the the West Coast Fever where Bassett notched up her 200th match.
“It’s funny how it’s worked out like that,” she said.
“To play against the Fever and have some familiar faces against me will be great.
“It would have been great to play this game in Sydney, but I know all the girls in orange are going to be doing their best to make sure it’s a win.”
Current West Coast Fever coach Stacey Marinkovich was Bassett’s captain when she first debuted for the Perth Orioles.
“We had some great memories from away trips travelling from Perth every weekend and lots of fun stories from staying in New Zealand for two weeks at a time,” said Bassett.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play with Nat Medhurst for a few years when she came over to the Fever; I had April Brandley who I’m playing alongside now – there’s been lots of girls who I’ve had the pleasure to the share the court with.
“I’ve been so lucky to make so many friends through netball and it doesn’t matter what team they play for now we’ve always kept in touch.”
One of the biggest decisions in Bassett’s career was leaving Western Australia for the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
“Living away from my family and friends was definitely hard,” she said.
“The decision to leave Perth after being there for such a long time and being in my comfort zone was originally a really tough decision, but it paid off.
“And now living in Sydney playing for the GIANTS, it’s about what I can impact and what I can impart on my teammates.
“It’s about doing as much as I can not only on the netball court but off court as well to really raise the profile of netball.”
Looking ahead to the future, Bassett said: “As long as I’m needed, I’ll keep playing.”
