Sally Fitzgibbons hasn't grown tired of assembling the puzzle as she hunts a maiden Gold Coast WSL title on Sunday.
The 28-year-old is the lone Australian women in the final four as surfers prepare to shift from Duranbah to an improved Snapper Rocks to decide the Boost Mobile Pro.
On tour since 2009, Fitzgibbons has finished second in the world title race three times.
That hasn't deterred the much-loved figure though, who powered into contention on Saturday in a thrilling duel with Sage Erickson that came down to the final wave.
Describing the tournament as a "mixed bag of lollies", Fitzgibbons admitted her success so far had come down to her acceptance to deal with whatever had been thrown up.
"Oh that's the fun part," she said of watching her opponent fight on the buzzer for a winning score.
"I know it seems pretty stressful, but being part of it all is something we love to do and she was looking pretty spicy."
Fitzgibbons' laid back nature has helped deal with the near misses in her career but she hasn't got comfortable ahead of a 2019 tilt that doubles as Olympic qualification.
"The off season was a humbling experience, you appreciate what we get to do, but also look at the movement and try to allow my expression to come out how I'm trying to visualise and not have my body hold me back," she said.
"It's quite a puzzle to work with, but one I know I'm constantly learning and that's what I enjoy doing."
Fitzgibbons will face Carissa Moore in what is likely to be a building Snapper swell as organisers began leaning towards a return to the traditional venue on Saturday.
Malia Manuel will meet Stephanie Gilmore's conqueror in the opposing semi-final, neither of who have won the event before.
