A 30 minute conversation with her father and coach, Bernie, after the Australian Pork Bendigo Spirit’s Thursday night training session helped clear Kristi’s mind.

“It was a hard decision, so I just sat down with dad and we had a good chat,’’ Kristi Harrower said.

 “To be honest, I’ve been so stressed about the decision.

“I just didn’t know how I would go because I just haven’t done the training in the off-season like I have in the past.

“Dad and I spoke about the team and in the end I decided to play on.

 “With Kelly Wilson (Achilles) being out injured it probably made my decision to play easier.

“It might take me a little while to get back into it, but if I can help the team even a little bit it will be worth it.”

Harrower is coming off  a low fitness base, but her playing smarts will be invaluable for the Spirit.

“I don’t miss training much anymore, but I do miss playing and the competitive side of it,’’ Harrower said.

 “When I’m on the sidelines watching and the team is struggling the thing I miss the most is not being out on the court helping, controlling the tempo and doing the things I do well as a point guard.

“That’s why I’m playing again. If I can be a leader, pass the ball and knock down some shots when I’m open – that’s all this group needs.

“With Belinda Snell coming in, Kelsey Griffin back for another year and Tessa Lavey and Gabe Richards coming off trips with the Opals, we’re in good shape.

“Sara Blicavs, Maddie Garrick and Heather Oliver have improved out of sight in the off-season as well, so if we can build on their development then we’re going to be hard to beat again.”

The Spirit start their WNBL championship defence in Townsville on Saturday night.

Townsville has finished runner-up to the Spirit the past two seasons and coach Bernie Harrower expects the Fire to be even tougher to beat this year.

“They were a great side last season and they’ve added two good scorers in Cayla Francis and Jillian Harmon to their group,’’ Bernie Harrower said.

“Townsville looked good at the pre-season tournament and they’ll be after some revenge on Saturday.

“We didn’t play great at the pre-season tournament and this is the first week we’ve had everyone together for training.

“We’ve made some inroads, but we’re still underdone. We’re not where I would like us to be, but we’ve got to get on with it.”