Viral pandemics have a bizarre effect on time. Just ask ACT Meteor Olivia Porter, whose last 12 months have felt like an eternity ahead of what she hopes to be a Women's Big Bash League debut this summer.
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The pace bowler was set to represent the Sydney Thunder 12 months ago, only to be told on the eve of the season that she'd been ruled out of the tournament with a right tibia injury.
She stayed in the WBBL Sydney bubble - desperate to do all she still could to help her beloved Thunder secure a second title - but ultimately their triumph over the Melbourne Stars in the decider at North Sydney Oval was laced with a bittersweetness.
"It wasn't ideal what happened last year but I think I've learned so much about myself," Porter said.
"I would've loved to be out of the grandstand but to be there at North Sydney Oval was amazing. It felt like I was still part of the team which was an amazing feeling.
"There was lots of rehab in that process. I think it's put me in really good stead for this season, I'm really determined and excited to be around the girls and I think that's what got me through quarantine, and also the impact of the lockdown in Canberra for preseason as well."
Porter suffered a tibial stress reaction 12 months ago, what Thunder physiotherapist Katie Ryan described to be "Like really bad shin splints" at the time.
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It's not an uncommon ailment in fast bowlers across the world, but the timing could not have been worse for Porter.
In September last season she'd signed a one-year deal to join the Thunder, a club she'd passionately supported as a teenager. That came just months after joining the Meteors as a promising all rounder.
Despite missing all of the Thunder's WBBL campaign last summer, a silver lining was presented to Porter earlier this year when head coach Trevor Griffin offered her a two-year contract extension, doubling down on the talented 19-year-old. The Thunder open their campaign on Saturday against Adelaide in Hobart.
"We had a good chat about roles and expectations of Thunder for myself and what I want to get out of this experience, I can't wait to link up to him in person and also just to soak up his experience and his knowledge of the game," Porter said.
"He's an international coach and that's going to be a first for me so I'm really looking forward to meeting up one on one and to see what happens next.
"To debut, I think that would be an amazing achievement. It's something that I've dreamed of ever since I picked up a cricket bat."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
