Silver Ferns netball coach Waimarama Taumaunu struck a sentimental note at the New Zealand teams pre-games media conference today.
Taumaunu was asked about the preparation and attitude of Jodi Brown, who was dropped by the Steel at the end of the ANZ Championship recently.
She replied that Brown had fitted into the team perfectly and said the issue with the Steel was a separate matter.
Taumaunu then reminded the media that the last time Brown travelled to a Commonwealth Games was in Melbourne in 2006, when the day before the games began she was forced out of the team after injuring her knee.
That was shattering for her, and were just pleased her preparation has gone well this time, Taumaunu said.
Jodi Te Huna, as she was before her marriage to Markham Brown, was only 24 then, a promising goal attack who had made her international debut the year before at the world championships in Jamaica.
A lot has happened since. She stepped out of international netball in 2007 to start a family and did not return for five years.
Taumaunu made the point today that there was a lot more maturity in her team.
The experienced players are older and are able to cope with situations better. Ive noticed, for example, how much Maria Tutaia has matured over the past two or three years, but then thats what happens as players get older.
The New Zealand teams campaign does not begin until Friday, when they meet Malawi. The delayed start gives the full Silver Ferns team the opportunity to march in the opening ceremony.
Malawi are not to be under-rated, and are especially potent on attack, where tall goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda is the standout. Kumwenda was the outstanding player for the Tactix in the 2014 ANZ Championship.
The Silver Ferns play Scotland, Northern Ireland, St Lucia and Jamaica on their way to the semi-finals.
Jamaica will present a challenge because of their height and shooting potency.
This is the fifth time netball has been played at the Commonwealth Games. Australia and New Zealand have each won the gold medal twice and have met in all four finals.
Australia won in double overtime at Manchester in 2002 and New Zealand returned the compliment in thrilling circumstances at Delhi in 2010, winning 66-64 in 84 minutes, the longest game of international netball ever played.