George Fisher is ready to return — return to light training, at least.
All going well that will end with her taking the court for the Southern Steel's next game, against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Hamilton on Monday.
No decision had been made in regards to that yet, though.
The 22-year-old star English goal shooter missed last Monday's win over the Magic, after picking up a concussion a week earlier.
In her absence Grace Namana stepped in to shoot an impressive 35/38, helping the side to an emphatic 65-50 win.
Fisher was examined yesterday and was cleared for some light exercise.
From there she will have to wait 24-48 hours to see if symptoms develop.
If they do not, she will be clear for more intense exercise.
A decision on whether she plays on Monday will be contingent on how she responds to that.
Fisher has spent the past week resting in her bedroom and being looked after by her team-mates — notably flatmate Ali Wilshier.
Her symptoms had not been severe and her smile had returned — the main change people had noticed in her.
Despite her being so far away from home for the first time, the team had very much filled the family void during a tough week.
‘‘It's definitely a little weird. When it all first happened I was like ‘oh no','' she said.
‘‘But the girls are very much my family and Ali very much stepped into that mum role and looked after me.
‘‘It's emotional how good they were to me. I love them so much.’’
It has only added to the shooter's love for the team.
There were still four games left this season, plus potentially playoffs, but Fisher is already hoping for more.
A return to Invercargill featured highly on her wish list.
‘‘This sounds awful, but I don't want to go home. I want to come back, I really want to come back.
‘‘I love the Steel to pieces and I can't sing their praises loud enough.
‘‘It's kind of nice because I didn't realise how much I enjoyed being out of my comfort zone.
‘‘Coming all the way to the other side of the world and doing something I've always wanted to do has given me a new-found love.
‘‘Obviously I've always loved it, but it's kind of a new-found love again and learning new skills and new tricks of the trade.''
■Magic coach Amigene Metcalfe has not renewed her contract. Metcalfe has led the side for the past three seasons.
