Beckie Middleton's eyes dropped with jet-lag as she stumbled off an international flight with a suitcase full of unfinished business.
The former British international is set for her second stint of Australian domestic hockey but a lot has changed since the Canberra Strikers claimed bronze last year.
Middleton is one of four internationals who will join the Canberra Chill for the opening round of the inaugural Hockey One season on Sunday.
The 33-year-old midfielder arrived only four days ahead of their clash with the Brisbane Blaze at Lyneham Hockey Centre, and her preparation has been anything but chill.
"It's the best way to get the cobwebs out," Middleton laughed.
Middleton had been eyeing on opportunity to return to Canberra when she returned to the United Kingdom earlier this year.
She didn't hesitate to book her flight when Hockey ACT reached out and offered her an opportunity to join the revamped club.
"It's not too difficult to make the decision to come back here," Middleton said.
"I'm happy I've managed to make it work and it's exciting with the new Hockey One format.
"As an import, it's easier when you already know a number of players and have an idea of what's going on, but every team is different. I'm sure having a few new faces will freshen things up as well."
Japanese imports Sakiyo Asano, Yui Ishibashi and Shihori Oikawa met their teammates and coach Ian Rutledge for the first time on Thursday.
Rutledge spent the week running a miniature training camp to give new players a crash course of the team's tactics and structures ahead of their Brisbane clash.
"It's a bit strange given we start on Sunday," Rutledge said.
"We've spent [the last four days] getting to know each other and laying down a foundation and hopefully we'll build from that.
"It's unknown for all of us. The Brisbane team have also newly formed and one of their first training sessions will be here as a group given the Hockeyroos are coming in late to the program."
Canberra's women's side will be led by Hockeyroos Kalindi Commerford and Edwina Bone, while the men's side will be bolstered by the inclusion of Kookaburras goalkeeper Andrew Charter.
Peter Morgan's men will kick off their season against the Australian Hockey League reigning champions, who boast seven Kookaburras players.
"There's no better test than this and the guys will really relish it," Chill co-captain Aaron Kershaw said.
"They'll be a potent attacking team. We have to stay true to our structures and trust it's going to work."
Hockey One will be played over a six-week home and away season, which will always be male-female double-headers.
HOCKEY ONE
Round one
Sunday: Canberra Chill Brisbane Blaze at Lyneham Hockey Centre. Women at 2pm, men at 3.30pm
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
