Dannie Carstens' return has been every bit as seamless as Cavaliers' start to season 2019, says vice-captain Dana Lester.
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A perfect storm of injury and unavailability saw the under-19s coach and former premiership star return to the court last weekend - more than three seasons since her retirement - and help the Cavs continue their unbeaten start to the year.
The veteran will take to the court again in this weekend's opens clash with Kingston, as will at least two of the club's under-19 players.
"Having Dannie come out of retirement for these couple of weeks while we're a little bit light on in the defence end has been really great," Lester said.
"Her experience and communication on court was second to none for us and she just slotted into the team really well so we'll be looking to use her again this week.
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"I think last time she played was 2015, that would have been my first year in opens and she's definitely just slotted straight back in - it's like she never left.
"I guess she's obviously been around the group in a coaching capacity so she understands the team structure and dynamics but having her back on court felt like normal really."
Saturday's 3.10pm clash on the East Coast will come as somewhat of a homecoming for several players and staff, with head coach Dan Roden and under-19s pair Tahlia Randall and Monique Dufty hailing from the Break O'Day area.
Lester remained tight-lipped on whether the duo would see time in the opens clash, but said the whole club was keenly anticipating the road trip.
"This is the fourth time there's been a State League game at St Helens which is really great for the area and we always look forward to playing down there," Lester said.
"Our coach is from St Helens so it's really nice to give back to that community as well.
"We'll run a clinic Saturday morning for the locals which all the players really look forward to and I know all the young players down there really enjoy it as well."
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