Queensland Firebirds captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran is banking on trans-Tasman synergy to lift the former powerhouses after four years of Super Netball struggles.
The new-look Firebirds will host defending champions the Melbourne Vixens in Sunday's opening round at Nissan Arena.
A New Zealand triumvirate will reshape a side that won just two of 14 games last season and boasts a 15-41 record since 2021.
Defender Kelly Jackson, gun midcourter Maddy Gordon and experienced goaler Te Paea Selby-Rickit have all arrived from New Zealand after eligibility rules were loosened to allow them to continue representing the Silver Ferns while playing in Australia.
The Firebirds were powerhouses for a decade under Roselee Jencke, winning three titles and reaching two other finals before her 2020 departure.
They have had four coaches in as many years since, with Kiri Wills on the cusp of her second campaign in charge.
"What our side has lacked is depth in experience, and we finally have that," captain and goal defence Bakewell-Doran told AAP.
"The comp is so strong, you need it all of your positions.
"With those three it's their experience, and the fact they're in each one of our thirds creates this really nice stability."
Bakewell-Doran said the trio's arrival had already been felt around the team.
"That experience, moulded with the different ways the Aussies play and Kiwis play ... we've fed off each other," she said.
"It's been really fun and refreshing. You get in a bit of a rut and that fresh lens [helps]."
The Di Honey era will begin this weekend at the Vixens, who farewelled coach Simone McKinnis with a third title in her 13th and final season in charge.
"That'll be good to know that early on in the season," Bakewell-Doran said of her side's early litmus test.
"Pre-season is one thing, but when you're out there to get the job done you need to find that consistency pretty quickly."
And in the back of the minds of would-be Diamonds will be this year's Commonwealth Games defence in Glasgow.
"Across the league for sure there will be an intensity," Bakewell-Doran said of the competition for spots.
"But personally the priority is here... to get wins, and [selection] is a by-product.
"We just need to get some runs on the board."
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