As the buzzer sounded, Seymour’s Ruby Martin stepped up.
The Lions’ star goal shooter and league MVP was the match-winner at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, sinking the final goal in Seymour’s historic B-grade grand final triumph over Rochester.
Martin’s performance and dead-eye shooting at the death would see her walk away with the best-on-court medal.
After no advantage was called on an initial foul call with just seconds remaining, Martin was forced to shoot what would be the match-winning goal a second time, and did not miss a beat.
“To be honest I wasn’t even thinking about it, I just threw it up and hoped it went in,” an elated Martin said after the game.
“I thought that first goal counted and then having to take it again was pretty stressful.”
After going down twice to Rochester this season, Martin said her side had shown a special determination on Sunday to come away with a come-from-behind win.
“This is the first time we’ve beaten Rochy, we lost in the final and then in the home and away season, to come back today was pretty special,” she said.
“When we were six down, I thought this was going to be hard to come back from,” she said.
“The fact that we did, I can’t believe it to be honest.”
With three Seymour sides into GVL netball grand final appearances on Sunday, Martin said a special group had come together on the courts at Kings Park this year.
“We’ve had such a special year,” she said.
“This group of girls is just incredible, it’s been the best year of netball. But as a whole collective, it’s been a testament to Ellie O’Sullivan (A-grade playing coach) and her coaching.
“The whole footy netball club is like one big family, it’s just been a really, really special year.”