Richards, a dual WNBL All-Star Five player and Australian Opals representative, joins the squad that finished runners-up in this year's Bendigo Football Netball League A-grade grand final.

All players from that team are returning and coach Lia Marrone said she was excited to see what their newest recruit could add to the mix.

"Gabe brings with her a wealth of experience, having just competed at the basketball world championships and winning a bronze medal with the Opals.

"We'll be looking for her to strengthen our shooting ranks and bring an intensity to training that comes with being a two-time WNBL premiership player."

Richards, 30, said there had been "a little bit of interest" from several clubs, but she decided on Golden Square because she already knew several players and officials who have links to the Spirit.

"I just want to step away and have a break from basketball in the off-season because it has been a pretty big 18 months.”

"A rest will be nice but I want to keep fit and I and loved my two years playing netball at Mount Pleasant a couple of years ago."

Players expected to make an impact for Square next year include Betty Thompson Medallist Meg Gilbert who, along with Lucy Morcom, will coach B-reserve, and sisters Ash and Abbey Ryan who are training with the Ballarat Sovereigns VNL squad.   

Captain Allira Homes is keen to avenge the grand final loss and long-serving club members Amy Davies and Kath Basilewsky are also back on board.

Golden Square netball coaches for 2015: A-grade, Lia Marrone; A-reserve: Kendyl Hopley; B-grade: Rebecca Mullen; B-reserve: Lucy Morcom, Meg Gilbert; 17-under: Melinda Keighran, Erin McGurk.