Tash Robinson is "devastated" she won't get to line up in Saturday's Rawson Homes Premiership A Grade grand final, but she has faith in Fusion Heat's depth as the side chases a fourth successive title.
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Captain and key midcourt player Robinson suffered a serious knee injury in the final round of the regular season.
She'll see a specialist in the coming weeks to find out if she needs surgery but despite the blow there's no way she'll be missing Saturday's decider.
"I would not miss it," she said.
"It's disappointing, devastating actually, not to be able to be there with the team.
"I'd love to be there as we go for a fourth but it is what it is. I'll be there supporting them and I have full faith in the team and that they can put in a good game and hopefully the result goes our way."
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Robinson was probably the most animated spectator in attendance at the Nita McGrath courts during last weekend's semi-finals.
Heat, despite being the three-time defending premiers, haven't had things all their own way this year and after finishing the regular season in second got past the Inspire Panthers by 12 goals last weekend.
That win was a hugely pleasing one for the club given they had been beaten by the Panthers just a week prior.
They now meet Fusion Fire in the grand final, having not beaten their clubmates yet this year.
"I was ridiculously pleased," Robinson said of the semi-final effort.
"I don't think I stopped smiling or screaming all game. Especially because of the way we had played just seven days before, it was a complete turnaround.
"Everyone stood up and fixed what we did wrong."
Heat will again have to be at its best in Saturday's decider.
Fire is unbeaten this season and scored a narrow five-goal victory over Heat in their one previous meeting this season.
"It's going to be a huge challenge," Robinson said.
"Last time we played it was really close and I think we led for most of the game but they came over the top of us in the fourth quarter.
"It's going to be a great game but it's going to be a challenge. Since they've got Abbie Merritt it's given them a lot of confidence but we've got to go out there and do what we know we can do."
Merritt stands as one of the most key figures in the game.
One of the finest shooters in Dubbo, if she is in top form in attack for Fire they may be no stopping her but if Heat can limit the amount of ball she receives and the likes of Britt Hill slow her down it will go a long way to swinging the contest in their favour.
Saturday's match starts at 3pm on court 15 and numbers are still limited courtside.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
