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Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett has penned a three-year deal with the Giants in a seismic Super Netball coup for the NSW side. The Australia goal shooter is leaving Sunshine Coast Lightning a week after securing a second-straight national title as the spearhead of the Queensland team's attack. "Joining Giants Netball is a fantastic opportunity for me personally and professionally and I'm excited to see where this new challenge takes me," Bassett said in a statement on Tuesday. The Giants are seeking to rebound after bowing out of the finals in straight sets and coach Julie Fitzgerald is confident Bassett can take them to the next level. "She is an incredibly gifted shooter and obviously brings with her a wealth of talent and experience, which we know will elevate the team in the coming season," Fitzgerald said. Bassett revealed the move was motivated as part of her transition to life off the court. "I'm finishing my media and broadcast degree at present, so I think the opportunities on offer in Sydney will be really good for me," she said. But the Giants coaching staff and playing group was also a lure. "It certainly doesn't hurt that I'll be able to play under Julie Fitzgerald," Bassett said. "Getting to play with my old Diamond's teammate Kim Green is also something that I'm super excited about and I can't wait to work with the likes of Jo Harten and Kiera Austin in the circle." It could the last stop of 30-year-old Bassett's professional club career after 183 games with the West Coast Fever (12 seasons) and the Lightning (two) in Australia's premier netball competition. The Lightning now face the biggest rebuilding task of their brief history, with her defection compounded by the loss of Geva Mentor at the other end. The English goal keeper, another key pillar of the dual premiership-winning side, has also decided to leave the Lightning after two seasons citing family reasons.
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