The 32-year-old formed one of the most successful partnerships in New Zealand domestic netball when she linked up with Robyn Broughton at the Sting. The pair combined to win seven titles in 10 years.
They teamed up again with the Steel but that partnership came to an abrupt end when Wilkins cut ties with the franchise following the 2009 season, citing a lack of support.
At the time, she was a new mother to Cooper, now 22 months old, and felt the franchise had not been supportive enough of her family. But her beef was never with Broughton.
"Rob and I have a great relationship," Wilkins said.
"I caught up with her in Wanaka over Christmas and take the kids to see her. I think she understands why I needed to move away.
"And I think it is good for the sport, too. There has been a lot of players shift for this year. It makes some teams stronger and more competitive, so I think it is exciting."
Wilkins was pregnant with Jack (6 months) and missed last season but has signed for the Canterbury Tactix. It has been 15 years since she last played netball for the province.
"It is a little strange but I'm really enjoying it. It has been quite an easy environment to come into, which has been fantastic."
Wilkins still lives in Southland and will be commuting "backwards and forwards a fair bit".
"It is going to be full-on, especially if I end up playing every game.
"A lot of teams will probably write us off because we finished 10th last year. But, to us, it is a new team and anything can happen."
Wilkins turns 33 in April, and with two young children, it is a balancing act to stay fit and squeeze everything into the day. But retirement is not something she is contemplating.
"When I stop enjoying it then I'll stop playing. It has been really good for me, after having Jack, to be a wee bit selfish, I guess, and have a motivation to come back and get fit and lose the weight.
"I like to have something else to stimulate my mind. Sitting on the couch watching TV doesn't really interest me. So it is nice to have another focus as well.
"The body feels quite good. There is still a wee bit of work to do. Once you get a few more games under your belt you get that match fitness back."
The Tactix was well beaten by the Queensland Firebirds 58-47 in its opening match at the annual pre-season tournament in Queenstown yesterday.
