Australian netball captain Caitlin Bassett won't return to New Zealand for the 2022 ANZ Premiership, announcing that she's departed Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
The 33-year-old shooter was a star acquisition for the Magic for the 2021 season, however Bassett's arrival wasn't the boost that many hoped it would be, as Waikato-Bay of Plenty finished bottom of the ANZ Premiership ladder.
Even with the two-time Netball World Cup winner and Commonwealth Games gold medallist inside their shooting circle, the Magic won just one game in 2021, losing 14 from their 15 matches played.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, Bassett revealed that she won't be returning for the 2022 season, and thanked New Zealand netball supporters for their hospitality.
"What a whirlwind this season has been," the Australian Diamonds great wrote. "I have absolutely LOVED my time across the ditch and am sad to announce I have decided not to head back next season.
"Playing netball in New Zealand has been one of the best experiences of my career, the culture at Magic was awesome & although we didn't get the results we wanted playing each week with the girls made my heart so happy.
"I want to say a huge thank you to all the NZ netball fans who made me feel so welcome, it has been a pleasure getting to know you."
The Magic have wasted no time in filling the ranks in their shooting circle though, having already signed Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio for 2022, following her departure from Central Pulse.
