As the descendant of some of the club's most dedicated members, Leah Dumesny was always likely to become an important figure at the Pimpinio Football Netball Club.
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Dumesny is quick to admit she's no star on the netball court.
But a hard-working ethic instilled by her parents Gough and Sharon has entrenched her in the community of the club.
"It is really ingrained in my blood that you just chip in and you do things," Dumesny said.
"My grandparents - and probably their parents I would guess - were always involved in the club.
"We're just a family and the type of people who give back."
Dumesny has been on the committee for eight years since she took on the role of secretary at the age of 21.
She has been vice-president for the last three years, and was awarded a life membership in 2017 for her service to the club and for playing more than 200 senior games.
"Once you get involved, it's hard to get back out again," Dumesny said.
"You become really passionate, it becomes your day-to-day, your friends are at the club and it's such a big part of your life."
Dumseny said the club had become like a family, best illustrated by an incredible display of generosity during one of her family's toughest times.
"In 2011 my Mum Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer and was quite unwell," Dumesny said.
"When the club found out about it they were the first ones there. Not just the president, but all the people were there for moral support, chopping wood, making casseroles, all that sort of thing.
"Then on top of that - Mum always had going to Hawaii on her bucket list.
"The club were all so generous, they passed the hat around, all chipped in and were able to pay for accommodation and airfares.
"That is just the community-minded spirit that is involved in footy clubs. That's the reason you do all the stuff that you do."
Sharon was also awarded a life-membership in 2017 alongside her daughter, something Dumesny described as a special occasion.
On the court, the C Grade captain said she was hopeful Pimpino could return to A Grade and senior football success in the near future.
"The lack of winning we've had just means when we do win, it's going to make it so much better," she said.
"But I would never leave. Pimpinio is the place I love."
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Richard Crabtree
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
