The year was 2013 and the defender had swapped the club she grew up at for rival Warrnambool that season to hit the court alongside school friends.

The decision is one she doesn’t regret. But as the Eagles caused a boilover against Koroit in the grand final, Morrison knew she could have been part of the celebrations.

“(Leaving) was nothing to do with North, really. School friends were playing at Warrnambool that year, I wanted to have a bit of fun and play with them,” she said.

“I was always going to come back. It just happens the year I chose to leave they won the premiership. 

“I guess it was (disappointing) but I was more excited for the girls, I was still friends with all of them. It was great to see the club win the flag.”

Fast forward two seasons and Morrison, 21, has the chance to also become a premiership player with the Bushfield-based club.

An upset preliminary final win against Hamilton Kangaroos earned it a shot at Camperdown in the decider at Reid Oval on Saturday.

“It’s very exciting. I’ve played in one grand final in juniors but it’s definitely different playing in an A grade grand final,” she said.

The Eagles’ ability to make the grand final reflects the emerging talent at the club under new coach Jody Roth.

Only two-time league best and fairest Elisha Carter is above 25 while almost half of the starting seven last weekend are in their teens.

They finished second on the ladder before suffering defeat to Camperdown in week one of finals.

But wins against Terang Mortlake and Hamilton Kangaroos have them on the verge of a memorable flag.

Standing in their way are the Magpies, who have a 2-1 record in matches between the sides this season.

“A lot of people have said we’re a young and inexperienced side,” Morrison said.

“But a lot of the girls I’m playing with this year have played in grand finals in juniors.”