The 39-year-old told the club on Thursday night she was keen to return to help the Spirit defend their Women's National Basketball League championship.

Harrower has completed little training in the off-season, but two strong sessions with her Spirit team-mates this week convinced her to play on.

Spirit fans will be rapt the four-time Olympian will be on court this season.

"The board has fully supported Kristi decision's whether to play or not," said Spirit chairman Greg Bickley.

"It was a decision for her to make and hers alone."

Harrower will play in the Australia Pork-backed Bendigo Spirit's first WNBL match against Townsville in Townsville on Saturday.