The only way is up for the Bendigo Spirit.
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The writing is on the wall for a successful WNBL 2021/22 season after one of the biggest recruiting sprees in the club's history.
All eyes were on the Spirit during pre-season, however, they suffered two consecutive losses to both Southside Flyers and Melbourne Boomers due to the roster being hindered by niggling injuries.
Come Saturday night, there's no more practice and it's time to get the much-awaited season underway.
Spirit start the competition with the biggest test possible - a match against reigning champions Southside Flyers.
Spirit coach Tracy York said the squad had learned from the two pre-season losses.
"A focus heading into Saturday is remaining poised and staying within our structure even when teams start to get physical on the floor," York said.
"If we're able to execute that approach it will strengthen our end of the court and help us flow into offence plays significantly easier."
In the days between the pre-season matches and the opening clash on Saturday there's also been an emphasis on ensuring players are rested and physically ready for the season.
"We've had to maintain our bodies as we've had a few niggling injuries," York said.
"We know the season is always a marathon, not a sprint.
"If we can get everyone back on the floor together we can continue to build as a team and work through all of the extra little things to help us succeed."
Even though Spirit secured Southside's 2020 grand final MVP Leilani Mitchell - the reigning championship side boasts some of the biggest names in Australian basketball: Jenna O'Hea, Sara Blicavs, Rebecca Cole and Rachel Jarry.
Maddie Garrick is back at the Spirit, in addition to Mitchell, veteran Tessa Lavey and other new recruits Anneli Maley and Megan McKay all tipped to lead the starting-five, it's going to be an all-star clash.
York said the Spirit's younger players - such as Piper Dunlop and Isabella Stratford - would also be given the chance to shine this season.
"Last week we were able to give them some minutes on the court which gave us the chance to see what they bring to the floor," she said.
Overall, York couldn't be happier to get the season underway, especially after last year's hub-style tournament in Queensland where the Spirit were unable to win a game.
"I am really feeling confident about the group that we've put together as they have really gelled well," she said.
"They can play some really exciting basketball."
Upon reflection on her own career which has involved more than a decade of professional coaching, York couldn't be more passionate about getting down to business.
"Back in the day there weren't many full-time coaching roles around," she said.
"Now that I am just solely coaching it takes up a lot of my focus which I honestly enjoy.
"I love this game."
Following the match against Southside, Spirit will be back in action on Wednesday for the club's first home game of the season against the Boomers.
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