The possible return of Harrower next season was flagged yesterday by her father, Bernie, who has re-signed as coach of the Lady Braves for a 12th season.

''We're certainly hopeful of having Kristi come back next year," Bernie said. ''Decisions will be made around March as far as her playing in the WNBA in America next year and whether she wants to do that again.

''But it's now getting to the stage where the WNBA is not a priority for her now that she is married and wants to come home and spend some time with her husband.

''There's every possibility she could come back and play 10 games with us next season leading into the finals." Kristi is in France playing with Valenciennes in the French League. Valenciennes is seventh on the ladder in the French League, which doesn't end until late May, more than two months after the 2007 SEABL season tips off.

Kristi played the second half of the season with the Lady Braves this year, but was controversially forced to miss Bendigo's grand final win over Ballarat on August 26 because of a scheduling clash with the Opals' travel commitments to Brazil for the world championships. The Opals won the world title.