Kelsey Griffin has no doubt the Bendigo Spirit will get through its rough patch and be a better team for the experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Griffin, who is recovering from season-ending hip surgery, has watched from the sidelines as the Spirit crashed to an equal league-worst 2-9 record.
Griffin is not panicking. The two-time WNBL championship player has faith in her team-mates and the club to turn things around.
“One of the things I’ve really appreciated since I’ve been in Bendigo is the quality of the people,’’ Griffin said.
“It’s not just with the Spirit, but Bendigo basketball in general.
“It’s hard when you’re losing and you’re desperate to be competitive, but overall I think the morale around the team is as good as it can be.
“This team is filled with such great people. The girls come to every training session ready to work hard and learn. They have a positive outlook on basketball and life.”
Griffin said the Spirit’s form wasn’t as bad it looked on paper.
“Against Sydney, some parts of the Perth game and definitely the Dandenong game – they were all winnable,’’ she said.
“It’s been a six-to-eight minute lapse in those games that have hurt us. It might be at the start of the game or in the third quarter or at the end of the game.
“You like to see some justice done for all the hard work this group has put in. This team deserves good things to happen. That doesn’t mean good things will happen, but I’d love to see this group do well.”
Griffin is two weeks into her rehabilitation from hip surgery. She’s walking freely and at this early point is on track to return to full duties in three months.
“It’s been nice to get off the crutches, but I have to be careful though because if I start to walk with a limp I could do damage to what has been fixed,’’ Griffin said.
“I have to get the balance right between being active and getting things working again and making sure I give myself enough time to heal.
“I’m patiently trying to be progressive.”
Griffin said she was finding it hard to be a spectator.
“Watching is tough,’’ she said. “I’m lucky that I’m at the point of my career where I think I can value add to the team through my leadership and basketball IQ.
“I’m trying to do my best with that, but my favourite way to lead is by example.
“Nads (Nadeen Payne) has really stepped up in a leadership role and Gabe (Richards) is amazing. She’s such a positive influence on the team and we’re lucky to have her.”