A remarkable rise to becoming one of the league’s finest key forwards can be tracked back to a conversation just four games into her career for SUNS vice-captain Jac Dupuy.
The 29-year-old has taken her game to another level in 2023 with trademark work rate and incredible versatility shaping what’s already a career-best season in front of goal.
Speaking on Thursday, Head Coach Cameron Joyce says he can vividly remember a conversation between the pair after Dupuy missed selection for a match during Season Six – the only match she’s missed in three seasons at the SUNS.
“I remember her saying ‘this is the last time, we won’t be having another conversation like this’,” Joyce said.
“Ever since she got here she’s had the attitude that I’m going to make the most of this opportunity. For someone who’s come in later than others, she just has done everything she can to get the best out of herself.”
Dupuy made the step into the leadership group for the first time in 2023 as vice-captain. The significance of that title hasn’t waned on the Cairns product.
“Her attitude has been exemplary. In particular, her leadership and development going into the leadership group this year has been outstanding,” Joyce added.
Only twice have opposition sides managed to keep Dupuy away from the scoreboard with nine goals to date in 2023 already surpassing her Season Seven tally of seven.
It’s the drive and continued effort from which she has reaped the rewards this season, highlighted by two-goal games against perennial contenders Brisbane and Adelaide.
The vice-captain is set to be a key pillar in the forward line again as the SUNS look to make the most of its opportunities on Saturday afternoon against Yartapuulti.
“She’s a quality, quality person and last weekend she got some real reward for effort,” Joyce continued.
“She’s been playing some great footy, but as you know, sometimes you just need to keep fronting up and she got the reward for doing just that.”
