A tearful Sally Fitzgibbons doesn't want to just make up the numbers on her return to the World Surf League's top tour.

The Australian veteran is determined to find new gears on the Championship Tour (CT) after a string of strong Challenger Series (CS) performances sealed her passage with one event remaining.

The 32-year-old has finished second in the world title race three times since her debut in 2009, but has been relegated on both occasions since the introduction of the tour's mid-season cut.

Fitzgibbons has soldiered on though, a pair of runner-up finishes plus a third and two fifths on the CS, most recently at Portugal's Ericeira Pro on Monday (AEDT), giving her an unassailable lead on the standings before Brazil's season-ending Saquarema Pro.

"I have so many goals; I want to return and better my performances at the tour locations that have some of the best waves in the world," she said.

"It's mixed emotions; it's such a long year and you don't know where you're headed.

"I kept it in that direction … that I love competing and love showing up.

"These women are so good; it's so hard to win a heat and it's such an honour to be in this position."

The qualification toil has told on Fitzgibbons who, while being interviewed by the event broadcaster on the beach, broke down in tears as she thanked her family and friends for their long-term support.

"That belief, after all those years, it's so meaningful to me to show up and give my best," she said.