Three months on and the two good friends could potentially face-off against one another on Saturday, but not on the basketball court, on the netball court.

Both Richards and Oliver decided on a change of pace in the off-season, playing in the Bendigo Football Netball League with Golden Square and Sandhurst respectively.

Richards, who had missed the past two matches after getting her tonsils out, said she had her eyes set on this match since the fixture was released.

“When we were training with the Spirit we used to get the netball out and pretend to play against each other,” Richards laughed.

“During the pre-season we also got a chance to play on each other at the Rochester tournament, which was a bit of fun."

Richards said Oliver would be a tough opponent.  

“She is an incredible athlete on the basketball court and she is hard at it," she said. 

"She goes for everything, but on the netball court those skills are amplified.

“She is not tall but has a great reach, so it should be an interesting match-up.”

Oliver says going up against someone as talented as Richards would be difficult, but said she would enjoy the challenge.  

“It will be tough to play on her, but Golden Square is in great form, so it should be great game,” she said.

“Both teams are aiming to get top spot, so it will be a good test to see where we are at.”

Oliver said their history would give her some insight into how Richards might play.  

“I do know a bit about her, but I haven’t played on her netball wise, so it will be a bit different,” she said.

“There is not a lot of pushing and shoving allowed, so at training we will have to come up with the best way to defend her.”

Richards said she has enjoyed playing with the Bulldogs this season and adjusting to the rules of netball.  

“It is a huge change of pace from basketball, but I have come into a great team which is super competitive,” she said.

“Golden Square is just so skilled and talented across the court, so I have really enjoyed playing at a high level.”

Golden Square and Sandhurst sit in first and second place on the ladder.

The two teams will face-off on Saturday at My Jet Oval at 3.20pm.