Former Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett has switched the netball for a footy and has signed with Perth Demons for their inaugural WAFLW season next year.

Bassett — a two-time Netball World Cup champion who now works as a reporter at The West Australian — retired from professional netball in 2022 after 18 years of playing at the elite level with the West Coast Fever, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Giants and the national squad.

But after two years out of sport, the 196cm former shooter is set to use her intimidating frame to boost the Demons at the source and lay the foundations for the new team’s culture.

“When (coach) Jess Sedunary contacted me and asked if I wanted to join the Demons I told her she was crazy and that I had never played football,” Bassett said.

“I didn’t understand what benefit she saw in having me in the group, but she explained to me that she was on the hunt not just for good players but also for good people who could help build a strong culture at the club.

“And that is definitely something that interests me. I didn’t get to finish my netball career on my terms, and I miss being a part of a team.”

The two-time Super Netball winner added she wanted to embrace the challenge of learning a new sport and inspire her younger teammates.

“My favourite thing about netball as I got older and became a leader was helping others develop, and I got so much joy from seeing young players succeed,” Bassett said.

“I want to use my years of experience playing elite netball to help others, and what better way than by having fun and being vulnerable in learning a new sport?

“I love a challenge, and picking up a football is a way for me to have fun, learn and make new friends.

“I’m actually excited to learn a new sport, and while I know some netball skills will transfer across, learning how to kick is going to be fun.”

Bassett claimed Commonwealth Games gold in 2014 and was the first shooter to win the Liz Ellis Diamond Award.

She is also one of only five Australian players to have reached the century-mark in appearances and finished her international career with 102 caps.