The Warrnambool-based basketballer came out of retirement at 51 to play a role in the Mermaids’ return to the statewide competition this season.

She started out as a driver for her teenage daughter Kate, travelling across from Portland weekly so she could experience pre-season training in an elite environment.

Zeunert soon realised sitting on the sidelines wasn’t for her and decided to suit up for the Louise Brown-coached outfit.

Not even a terrifying health scare – she spent two nights in a Geelong intensive care unit after she was biten by a tiger snake a week out from the season-opener in March – could stop her.

Zeunert said she was the oldest on the Mermaids’ roster “by a long shot” but had enjoyed her comeback after more than 10 years away from Big V ranks.

She said a love of the game lured her back.

“I have been playing for a long time,” she said.

“I first started when (now Perth Wildcats coach) Trevor Gleeson was coaching.

“Intially I didn’t come over to play (this time around) – I was travelling with Chelsea McMahon, Taylah Nelson and my daughter Kate.

“It was a flow-on effect. Louise said ‘you’re more than welcome if you want to’.”

The experienced guard said she was happy to play a role off the bench as the Mermaids strive to make the best-of-three grand final series. They will host Coburg Giants in game two of their semi-final series at the Arc on Saturday night.

Win and they advance, lose and they will force game three on Sunday.

“I am coming off the bench and playing a few minutes here and there,” Zeunert said.

“Now we have a full calibre team, she (Brown) doesn’t need me as we have so much depth. I am happy to sit and watch and be part of the group.

“If she needs me for one minute or three minutes to come on, I can give someone a breather.”

The Mermaids’ dominant regular season –  they had a 19-1 win-loss record – has been recognised in the Big V awards shortlist.

McKinnon, 16, is in contention for the division one women’s all-star five and was named alongside teammate Maddy White in the youth player of the year category.

Brown (coach of the year) and Carly Pulling and Holly Greene (defensive player of the year) were also shortlisted. Warrnambool Seahawks import Xavier Johnson-Blount is vying for a men’s division one all-star five spot.