Coming off the back of a winless season in 2020, the Bendigo Spirit have been relentless in their preparations to bounce back to the club's winning ways.

In addition to intensive pre-season training at the Bendigo Stadium there's been plenty of work off the court in the way of team building exercises to ensure the relatively new-look team is set to soar come the season-opener against reigning champions Southside Flyers on December 4.

"We've really enjoyed the first three weeks on the court together...we're also focusing on the team off the court with team-building exercises," third-year Spirit coach Tracy York said.

"These sorts of sessions really help us connect as a team away from the basketball court which is very important."

The team - which includes several new recruits in Anneli Maley, Carly Boag, Leilani Mitchell and returning veteran Maddie Garrick - boasts a balance of youth and experience.

RELATED: 'I want the ball more than everyone else' Bendigo Spirit's Anneli Maley on how to be WNBL's leading rebounder

The roster also includes returning 2020 players Cassidy McLean, Tessa Lavey and Mary Goulding.

"Yes and no we have a new team," York said. "There's a core of players from last season, but the ones we've brought on this year are really great athletes who will be part of a new-look starting-five.

"We're really excited to show the Spirit fans what they will bring to the court this year."

After winning back-to-back titles with the Spirit between 2012-14, returning veteran Maddie Garrick is primed for a normal home-away season.

"Last year in the hub was hard as I'd just recovered from an ankle reconstruction and didn't really have a proper pre-season," she said.

"It's good to have plenty of time on the floor this year, especially going into a season where we will have fans back at games.

"There's nothing better than seeing kids' faces in the crowd cheering us on as it always has a positive influence on the match."

In terms of match-ups, Spirit have locked in arguably the toughest team for their season-opener.

"They are the reigning champions and did it really well last year," York said.

"They are clearly a strong club on and off the floor, but in this competition every game is tough.

"Having Southside first will give us a good insight to where we are during the early days of the season."

RELATED: WNBL: Bendigo Spirit tip off against Southside Flyers for season opener, full fixture

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: