Wind the clock back 10 weeks and rising star Julianna Naoupu was just hoping to play at least two quarters for the Southern Steel this season.
That all changed on Saturday afternoon when the shy 18-year-old goal attack coolly slotted a goal in the dying seconds to seal a thrilling 47-46 win over the Melbourne Vixens.
Stadium Southland erupted in excitement and Steel coach Robyn Broughton leapt to her feet, beaming a generous smile in the youngster's direction.
The Christchurch-born Samoan was rewarded for her efforts with a richly-deserved player of the match award.
In a must-win match the rookie landed 26 of her 32 attempts, outshining her more experienced shooting partner Daneka Wipiiti.
What she lacked in athleticism she made up for in confidence - turning and shooting with aplomb.
Naoupu probably would not have played had regular goal attack Megan Dehn not withdrawn on Friday when she failed to recover from an ankle injury.
Down a shooter, Broughton called in former Silver Fern Tania Dalton to bolster the side.
With a player of Dalton's calibre waiting on the sideline, Naoupu did not expect to play the entire match, and certainly not win it in the final moments.
"To tell you the truth . . . I had no idea we were even," Naoupu said.
"If I knew, I would have probably missed it."
After months of training and warming the bench, Naoupu was elated to be on the court and celebrated each successful shot with "massive grins".
In the team huddle shortly after the final whistle she found herself the recipient of some Southland-strength pats on the back.
"I've got red marks all over my back," she said with one of those massive grins.
