When the England goal shooter arrived back in Invercargill a month ago, it was no longer an exotic far-off destination.
It very much feels like home for the Southern Steel star.
Likewise she knows the people — both friend and foe — and the people know her.
There is no doubting her impact and importance to this team as she enters year two, either — she made 585 goals at 91% last year.
But one thing that has not changed is her belief.
Last year she linked with a team coming off 28 lost quarters in pre-season.
It had prompted dire predictions, but she thought otherwise.
"I think we’ve got a mean team" were her words, which ended up proving prophetic, as the team propelled itself to the ANZ Premiership playoffs.
As it heads into a new season tomorrow, when it faces the Mainland Tactix in Christchurch, the 23-year-old has similar confidence.
"I think we’ve got a great team, I really, really do," Fisher, who returned home to play for the England Roses over the summer, said.
"The thing with the Steel is we are gritty. We don’t care how ugly our netball looks, as long as it gets to the post. That’s what people don’t realise.
"Everyone tries to do all this cool extravagant stuff and, at times, we do too.
"But I feel like we’re so willing to just grit it out. And we’re kids at the end of the day, we’re young and annoying. We’re so annoying to play against, because we’ll just go and go and go."
It is in her area that the team has gone through its highest level of change.
Her shooting partner from last year, Tiana Metuarau, has left for the Central Pulse.
The duo formed an impressive combination last year, Metuarau showing her prowess as a playmaker to get Fisher clean ball.
This year Saviour Tui and Georgia Heffernan will join Fisher in the circle.
Both had different styles to Metuarau, and to each other — meaning Fisher had to adapt depending on who was wearing the goal attack bib.
She was fine with that, though.
It would help her continue to learn, which remained a key focus for her in year two.
Last year had garnered plenty of lessons, notably those of what to expect from her opponents.
That would prove valuable heading into this season.
"It’s nice coming in knowing what I’m facing and knowing how hard every single player is," she said.
"Every week it’s grinding it out; I love that every week it’s hard. You’re constantly learning, you’re constantly challenged.
"I love that. I love having to work hard and think all the time about what am I doing, where am I putting my feet, how am I shooting.
"All stuff like that. I love it. I thrive on it."
Most of all, though, Fisher had enjoyed last season.
She found herself enjoying playing more than she had in a long time.
So much so, that there was never any thought of not coming back — provided the Steel would take her.
That, as much as anything, will please Steel fans, who may have feared losing her to Australia’s Super Netball as her quality quickly became evident.
However, Fisher said the thought never crossed her mind.
She brings quality to a team that has potential to once again feature at the business end of this year’s competition.
Only two players have left from the group that grew into a dogged and determined winning team a year ago.
Shannon Saunders returns to captain the team and brings class to the midcourt.
She is joined by Kate Heffernan, who has well and truly shed her up-and-comer status and is now a genuine star with Silver Ferns experience to her name.
Defensively, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit’s experience and nous will combine with newcomer Kate Burley, who moves south after a victorious season with the Northern Mystics.
The Steel begins its season at 4.10pm tomorrow against the Tactix.
ANZ Premiership
Chch, tomorrow, 4.10pm
Steel: Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai’inaea, Ali Wilshier, George Fisher, Georgia Heffernan, Saviour Tui, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Kate Burley, Sarahpheinna Woulf.
Tactix: Kimiora Poi, Charlotte Elley, Samon Nathan, Vika Koloto, Karin Burger, Kate Lloyd, Kelera Nawai-Caucacu, Hannah Glen, Ellie Bird, Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
Steel draw
Tomorrow v Tactix, Christchurch
Mar 21 v Mystics, Invercargill
Mar 27 v Stars, Invercargill
Apr 2 v Mystics, Auckland
Apr 4 v Stars, Auckland
Apr 9 v Magic, Hamilton
Apr 11 v Pulse, Wellington
Apr 17 v Mystics, Invercargill
Apr 23 v Magic, Hamilton
May 1 v Tactix, Invercargill
May 9 v Pulse, Dunedin
May 15 v Tactix, Christchurch
May 21 v Pulse, Invercargill
May 22 v Magic, Invercargill
May 29 v Stars Invercargill
