Power forward Payne averaged more than 10 points and 3.5 rebounds a game for the Stars, who made it all the way to the preliminary final in their debut season in the WNBL.

She will join a pair of dual WNBL All Star Five selections in Kesley Griffin and centre Gabe Richards in an imposing Spiirt front court.

Payne is no stranger to Spirit coach Simon Pritchard, having played under him at the Norwood Flames in the South Australian state league.

He said the former Australian under-17 and under-19 player would be an enormous asset to the team.

“She had a standout year last year, after sitting out the year before with a knee injury,” Pritchard said.

“Her dedication and commitment to working hard after that injury was impressive, as was the way she improved as a player afterwards. 

“She is very strong under the basket, and her shooting percentage, from both close range and outside the arc, was impressive last season. 

“She gives us that silky smooth shooting we are looking for. She will fit right in with our game plan and our team."

Payne, 22, has been in the WNBL for seven seasons.

The 188cm forward, who can also play guard, spent two seasons each at the Australian Institute Sport, Townsville Fire and Adelaide Lightning before joining South East Queensland last year.

Her 10.19 points per game were a career high, bettering her 9.2ppg with Townsville in 2010-11.

Payne said she was excited to be joining the Spirit, one of only two regional-based teams in the WNBL.

“I'm a small-town girl at heart and I love the community support that’s shown in Bendigo - it’s really something I wanted to be a part of," she said.

“I am looking forward to expanding my game with Simon and improving by training with Gabe and Kelsey. 

"I can't wait to get on the court with my new teammates.”