When Gemma O’Sullivan was asked to help fill the numbers one weekend at Dookie United, never in her wildest dreams did she imagine where the season would end up.
Fast-forward five months and O’Sullivan (nee Toy) is preparing for this week’s Kyabram District League A-grade grand final.
The Thunder, who have shocked onlookers with how far they’ve come, take on Tallygaroopna in Saturday’s decider at Mooroopna.
It’s been a roller-coaster year for the Thunder.
Low playing numbers impacted the 2019 grand finalists before the campaign had begun and many expected the season to end before the canola field began to flower.
However, co-coach Maddison Owen was able to return mid-season after her pregnancy and the goaler brought some reinforcements with her.
O’Sullivan, a Shepparton Swans A-grade premiership player, was one of those talents that Owen got to parachute in to help field a side.
With three kids to look after, O’Sullivan’s appearances were sporadic at times, but the Yarrawonga premiership player has starred whenever she featured in the Thunder uniform.
The winger who can play through goal attack, has become an integral member of United’s premiership tilt.
“This is my first year playing at Dookie, so it’s pretty exciting (to reach a grand final),” she said.
“I haven’t played every week. To start off Mads (Maddison Owen) asked me if I minded to fill in. Then she said ‘well, you’ve qualified, why don’t you hang around for finals?’ and it was a case of finding someone to look after the kids.
“I’ve loved it; it’s a great group of girls and everyone is really encouraging.
“I’ve enjoyed it and it’s been a great way to join a new club and I’m happy we can get a crack at Tally.”
Dookie United enters this weekend’s grand final after it defeated powerhouse Nagambie by six goals.
In the past month the Thunder has not only played their best netball, but also played at full-strength for the first time in 2022.
“Our first final was actually the first time we had a full-strength team,” O’Sullivan said.
“It was the first time we have all played together, so that may work against us, but it hasn’t yet and everyone is playing well.
“I think the girls are still in a bit of shock, finishing fourth we weren’t expected to make it, but we’re all just excited and we’ll give it our all next week.
“Some of the girls in the team have been at Dookie for a while and they’ve always been close, but not quite got there, so there’s a lot of excitement.”