The talented forward and Spirit championship player, who left for Europe with the Australian Opals team on Wednesday, has been announced as Dandenong's newest recruit for the upcoming WNBL season.

New Bendigo Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said the club had hoped to retain Blicavs for the 2015-16 season.

However, Dandenong also made a persuasive pitch for Blicavs and won her signature.

Pritchard was informed of Blicavs’ decision to leave the Spirit for the Rangers by her father, Andy.

“I haven’t spoken to her since she made the decision,” Pritchard said on Wednesday. 

“She wanted a more major role in the team and Dandenong, which is a younger team, could offer her that. 

“She would have had more of a back-up role with the Spirit.

“It is a big loss because she is a young player.”

Pritchard said he had no ill feelings towards the 22-year-old’s decision.

“She has signed a short-term contract with Dandenong in what I believe is one year, so we hope to recruit her back," Pritchard said.

"The landscape of sport can change over the next 12 months. I sent a message to her congratulating her and also telling her we would like to chat again next year."

Meanwhile, Pritchard said the club was in negotiations to retain the talents of point guard Tessa Lavey for next season.

There has been speculation the Bendigo young gun was on the move to Perth.

A Perth Lynx official said on Wednesday “nothing has been confirmed at this stage."

"When we know more we will publish it on our website.” 

Pritchard said he was expecting a final decision on Lavey’s playing future with the club by the end of the week.

Lavey is also on the Opals’ tour to Europe.