The midcourter will be one of the few familiar faces on court when the Southern Steel begins its ANZ Premiership season today against the Mainland Tactix.
However, it will be an unfamiliar role she is filling.
The 128-game veteran will captain the side for the first time, taking over from the Gina Crampton-Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit duo.
She will still have Selby-Rickit for support, as her vice-captain.
It was something that had gone well in pre-season, although it was not something she would let affect her on court too much.
"I haven’t really thought about it too much," Saunders said.
"I don’t think it really adds too much pressure, I already put a lot on myself to perform anyway.
"Just trying to be a bit more vocal and trying to support the girls as much as I can.
"But we’re all leaders in our own right, so just trying to bring out the best in each other."
The Steel had struggled throughout its pre-season, but it had been a disrupted period, as injuries plagued the team.
Meanwhile import shooter George Fisher had not taken the court.
Those injuries had cleared up and Fisher is ready to go tomorrow.
Saunders said it was good timing to have all the players back.
Lessons had been learned from pre-season as well and the side had been working hard.
"It was just that consistency and when we’re going into a lull not letting it go on too long.
"We were dropping 10 goals pretty quick.
"Just making those ebbs and flows a bit smaller so its not such a big impact.
"Then we’ve been working George in because we didn’t have her for our pre-season games.
"Just trying to learn and adapt to what space she wants the ball and how she plays the game."
The Steel has a fresh look to it and half of its team is new to the south.
Several of those players had played plenty of netball, despite their youth.
Saunders said it was more a feeling of excitement among the new group, rather than one of nerves.
"I think they’re a really excited about stepping out in front of the Invercargill crowd and having them on our side.
"They’re all really keen to see what that’s like and play in front of a pretty full stadium.
"That’s going to be cool for them.
"We’re trying to support them as much as we can, but everyone’s gelling really well and everyone’s feeling really good so I think that’s positive."
Tomorrow represented a tough opponent first up.
Many are picking the Tactix as the Premiership’s favourite, following on from making their first final a year ago.
They have lost key defender Temalisi Fakahokotau, but picked up Silver Fern Karin Burger.
Aside from that their team remains intact and with Jane Watson, Kimiora Poi and Te Paea Selby-Rickit, there is quality right through the court.
The match begins at 6pm.
The Southern Blast begins its Beko League campaign on Sunday as well, as it faces the Northern Comets at 1.05pm in Invercargill.
