Jane Watson is fast becoming the face of the new Silver Ferns.
The defender's inspiring performance in Sunday's drought-breaking win over Australia commanded attention, on both sides of the ditch.
Just six months ago, Watson wasn't deemed good enough to play at the top level as she was left out of New Zealand's Commonwealth Games squad.
Watson turned the disappointment into career best form - firstly with the Tactix in the ANZ Premiership, and now with the Ferns.
Her inspiring performances in the Constellation Cup were a big part of the Silver Ferns resurgence and caught the eye of one of the game's all-time greats.
Former Australian captain Liz Ellis took to social media to say that she was "girl-crushing on Jane Watson" during Sunday's test.
"Yes, I actually missed that," Watson told Newshub. "Thank you for that."
Injuries to Casey Kopua, Kelly Jury and Temalisi Fakahokotau provided her opportunity in Hamilton, and Watson took it with both hands.
"She came back in and worked really hard all year," said Tactix coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek.
"I don't think her position is guaranteed, but you'd have to say she's taken her chances on this one."
Watson's well aware of what could potentially lie ahead.
"I guess it's up to them who they put out there, and at the moment it's me," she said.
"I'll make the most of it and we'll see what happens in the future."
Watson's perceived disadvantage may now have been quashed as a genuine issue.
"In the past she's been seen as too short for that position, but the amount of ball she's been getting off the taller girls has proven you don't actually need height to be in that circle," said Delaney-Hoshek.
On Thursday, the Ferns need to beat Australia by 14 goals to clinch the Constellation Cup, and another big night from Watson could be the key to a shock series win.
Newshub.
