From gun mid-courter Casey Adamson to sharp shooter Jessica Lallo, there is no shortage of stars set to grace the Deakin Reserve netball court for Seymour on grand final day.
But when it comes to the heart and soul of this Lions’ squad, there is no player more important than the unassuming Courtney Aldous.
A much loved figure at the club, Aldous has been a constant presence all over the court for Seymour this season, and on Sunday will get the opportunity to line up in her first Goulburn Valley League A-grade grand final.
Speaking after last weekend’s preliminary final victory over Mooroopna, Aldous said it was an incredible feeling to be officially through to the big dance.
“It’s crazy (to be in the grand final). Firstly I’m just so excited we have the three teams into the big dance and happy we could do that for the club,” Aldous said.
“To have that break since 2019 and be back in it is incredible. I was on the bench for A-grade that day so didn’t actually play, but the whole day was so full on with an electric atmosphere.
“And to come against United again will be interesting. The last final was very close and tense, so it will be good to re-watch that and hopefully try and secure a similar result this time around.
“I am ready and keen to take the court next week for what is going to be a tough match-up.”
Season 2022 has been an incredible journey for Seymour’s A-grade side.
Finally getting the opportunity to defend its 2019 crown, the tight-knit group of locals thrived as a unit, dropping just three games to secure the minor premiership and, from there, a grand final berth.
Aldous said she sensed something special was building from the get-go.
“I have really enjoyed the year. We sort of had this mantra of taking each game as it comes and trying to build,” she said.
“It’s a great group to be involved with. All the senior girls are just so tight and it makes it really enjoyable to come out and play every weekend.
“In the A-grade we have finished on top, so we just have to carry that to the end and hopefully get that fairytale ending.”
At the forefront of this success has been the play of Aldous, a Swiss Army knife of sorts for her team, who has played a variety of roles from the mid-court to the defensive circle.
Recently claiming her second straight best-and-fairest award, Aldous dedicated her individual success to the infleunce of her teammates.
“I just feed off what my teammates give me, so to have Casey, Sarah, Nakita, Jess, all those girls that come in from Melbourne, it is great to learn off all these great players,” she said.
“I’ve loved moving all around the court and playing different roles, going into defence especially. I’m a bit short for the circle but I enjoy trying to channel my inner Szczykulski and have a crack.
“For me it is all about just having a go and giving my all for the team.”