Canberra Capitals coach Carrie Graf has backed Lauren Jackson to be the "intimidator" in a veteran line-up aiming to end a three-year WNBL finals drought.
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Jackson is on track to join her Capitals teammates for the start of the WNBL season in October as Graf added another piece to her roster puzzle on Tuesday.
Carly Wilson has signed a new one-year deal and Michelle Cosier is set to follow in the coming weeks. Two more players are on the radar.
The WNBL will release its season fixture on Wednesday, headlined by a blockbuster Jackson v Elizabeth Cambage match-up when the Capitals play the Dandenong Rangers in round three.
Graf is building an experienced line-up. Two players – Jess Bibby and Kristen Veal – boast almost 700 WNBL games between as well as Wilson's tally of 293 games.
Jackson has had knee and Achilles surgery this year, but the four-time Olympian is on track to lead Australia's world championship campaign and start the WNBL season with Canberra.
"We'll manage her practice time, but Lauren brings the X-factor," Graf said.
"We don't need her to be a 20-points-a-game player, it takes away from the things that people don't respect her enough for.
"She's an outrageously great rebounder, she's an exceptional defender and an intimidator. She's one of the best shot-blockers this country has ever had.
"She's got a passion for the game that's unparalleled."
The Capitals will start their season with a double-header weekend, taking on the Boomers in Melbourne on October 17 before returning to Canberra to play the Sydney Uni Flames on October 18.
Jackson will take on her heir apparent Cambage when the Capitals play the Rangers on November 1 while Jackson will play against long-time friend Suzy Batkovic and the Townsville Fire on December 12.
The Capitals will play 22 games this season.
The Capitals boast one of the most experienced rosters in the competition and Wilson is returning for her 16th WNBL season.
Wilson has spent the off-season away from basketball to reinvigorate her passion.
"I've still got the hunger to win another championship after missing the finals for the last three years," Wilson said.
"It makes it hard when you've had a couple of seasons which have been a battle. I've really enjoyed my break and that's what's driven me to get back into it, being away from the game has made me realise how much I want it.
"[People] probably will think we're too old [to win]. But we've recruited really well in the off-season, the league will be the strongest it has been in a long time.
"We will probably be the oldest team, but that comes with invaluable experience."
