The lead up to Sunday's grand final has been an emotional journey for the Magpies' star midcourt player who recently lost her father, Wangaratta life member Chris Crimmins, to pancreatic cancer aged 56.

Chris was a stalwart of the Magpies playing over 200 games in black and white.

But when he wasn't near the footy field he could be found over by the netball courts cheering on his youngest child of three, Chaye.

ALSO IN SPORT:

"Last year he was right on the sidelines cheering us on in the grand final and I know he'll be right above cheering us on this time as well," Chaye said.

"He'd come down to every home game and cheer us on.

"He was a really straight shooter, so if you didn't play well he'd tell you and if you did he'd always say good job.

"He cheered for all the girls in the team, a lot of them had really strong connections as well."

Chaye said her father had a big impact on her and her two older brothers, Clay and Connor, and their love of sport, with all three playing at the club over the years.

The 2018 premiership player recognised her father, as well as grandparents and Wangaratta life members Pauline and Mervyn, in helping her join the club she now calls home.

"It's really nice to play at a club that your family has been at and made history in," Chaye said.

"I think it was just a natural transition from playing juniors and then coming over to the Magpies where dad played.

"He loved us playing sport growing up and always celebrated our achievements."

Chaye thanked her coaches Lou Byrne and Kellie Keen for their support over the last few weeks, as well as her teammates, as the Magpies look to go back-to-back on Sunday.

"Coming to netball throughout this time has really helped me," Chaye said.

"Coming into last Sunday's game it was a bit emotional, but this weekend is very exciting and I know he'll be up there watching."