When West Coast Fever mid-courter Verity Charles looks at her championship medal she can't help but feel bitter-sweet emotions.
Charles was part of the Queensland Firebirds team that lost the 2014 grand final to Melbourne Vixens.
A year later, the Firebirds beat the NSW Swifts 57-56 in an epic decider.
But Verity was nursing a broken wrist at the time and could only watch on as a spectator from the Firebirds bench as her teammates secured the victory.
The bitter-sweet moment has served as motivation for Verity, who is determined to play an active role in a title-winning side.
She has a golden chance to achieve that this year as part of a dominant Fever outfit.
The Fever sit on top of the ladder with an 8-2 record and are favourites to win the title.
If that eventuates, it would be a dream come true for Charles.
"I sat on the bench with a broken wrist watching my team win the championship," she reflected.
"I was still a part of it I guess, and I still got a medal. It was a great team effort.
"But as great as it was to be a part of it sitting on the bench I need to be out there, I want to be out there.
"That's what the plan was with Fever, to move back here and win that premiership at a club I've got so much love for."
Charles, who is married to Melbourne Rebels hooker Nathan Charles, was part of the Fever outfit that won just two games last year.
But the addition of Jamaican goalshooter Jhaniele Fowler has helped transform the club into a powerhouse this year.
Last week's one-goal win over defending premiers Sunshine Coast moved Fever another step closer to locking up top spot.
They will be aiming to continue their winning run when they take on the NSW Swifts in Sydney on Saturday night.
The Swifts six in sixth spot with a 5-5 record and need to beat the Fever to keep their finals hopes alive.
