It's been a bittersweet rise to A-grade for Lavington's Gabbie Star.
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The 19-year-old talented goal attack has been gifted the opportunity to join the Panthers' ranks for the remainder of the season as she steps into the position left by injured shooter Skye Hillier.
It seems fitting that Star should take to the goal circle for the A-grade side, being mentored by Hillier herself as her B-grade coach and now working alongside her second cousin and Panthers' experienced goal shooter Sarah Senini.
Star said while she was thrilled to receive the call up into the team, she wished it could have been under better circumstances.
"It was hard because Skye's my coach and it was devastating to see her go down," Star said.
"I'm happy that I've been given the opportunity, but it's just bad circumstances.
"I've pretty much always seen her (Hillier) as a mentor.
"Even when she was coaching C-grade last year she was always giving me little tips, which was awesome."
While Star had stepped up into the A-grade side for a quarter before, she had her first game experience last weekend in Lavington's 15-goal loss to reigning premiers Wangaratta.
Star admitted she had to adjust to a few changes stepping up from B-grade, shooting 11 goals in her debut.
"It was a bit faster paced, but the girls were so supportive," Star said.
"It was really nice to have that support."
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With three rounds remaining in the Ovens and Murray competition this season before finals, Star looks set to remain a permanent fixture in the Panthers' line-up.
An Achilles injury sustained by Hillier in the Panthers' round 14 clash against Yarrawonga will see her sidelined for the remainder of the season, after she also missed the 2018 season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Lavington currently claim third spot in the competition behind Corowa-Rutherglen and Wangaratta, with finals set to be in their horizon.
Star said she's looking forward to seeing how things pan out for the Panthers.
"I'm excited to see how the rest of the season goes," Star said.
"Hopefully I can help the team out as much as I can."
Lavington will come up against North Albury this weekend at Bunton Park for the league's split round before having a bye next weekend.
The Hoppers are coming off the back of an upset loss to Wangaratta Rovers last weekend.
The remainder of the season will see the Panthers' face Myrtleford before a blockbuster clash with ladder leaders Corowa-Rutherglen in the last round.
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