Playing NBL1 in Melbourne this winter, Tayah Burrows was primed for a big season on court and the opportunity to watch her beloved Fremantle Dockers play in Victoria. 

The 24-year-old guard was on the comeback trail. 

In February, she had surgery to remove a screw from the foot she fractured playing in Sweden two years ago while on her first overseas contract, but there were complications following the operation.

Months later, and finally, back in action, Tayah’s comeback lasted just three and a bit games. She was the victim of a freak accident when an opponent fell across her leg.  

The injuries were horrific; spiral fracture of the fibula, full syndesmosis rupture and strained ligaments. 

More surgery followed and now another slow, lonely rehabilitation journey. It’s been the purple haze, and a campaign which extends into an Elimination Final this weekend, that’s kept the 18-year Fremantle member’s spirits high. 

“I’ve loved every second of supporting this football club, they’ve given me so much,” Tayah says

“The Dockers have given me something to look forward to every week rather than focusing on my own team playing, but I’m not. It’s been an outlet and honestly helped me so much because I got to a pretty dark place after the last injury I’ve had. Feels like another season I’ve just lost, I feel like I’m behind in my career, missing out on opportunities. 

“Being able to go to the games and watch and not think about my injury or basketball - that’s been great for me because it was a pretty low stage in my life. 

“I follow the socials, there’s banner making and it’s not just the games, but everything in the lead-up and it’s been so great.” 

Being injured has had it perks. Tayah won a trip through the Club and Bankwest to travel with the team to Melbourne for their Round 19 clash with Collingwood. 

Already in Melbourne, she returned to Perth so she could fly with the team to Victoria. The prize included attending open training, game-day hospitality and a visit to the rooms post-game after the thrilling win. 

“That was amazing and a silver lining because if I was playing, I’d be in-season and not able to take up an opportunity like that,” she says. 

“With every bad situation there’s a silver lining and with that has been me being able to fully immerse myself in this Fremantle season, joining the Victorian cheer squad, helping make the banner.” 

Freo runs through her blood, a true love passed down from late Nana Gail who was a life-long East Fremantle fan, then foundation Fremantle member. 

Gail died a few months after what she described as the best day of her life – the 2013 Grand Final.

“All she wanted to do was see them in a Grand Final and she got to see it before she passed away. Sharing it with her is something I’ll cherish forever. The memories the club has created for our family and how the Dockers bring us together is pretty special,” Tayah explains. 

“I get my craziness from her, I’m a walking, talking version of her.”

When Fremantle run out onto Optus Stadium on Saturday night, Tayah and her family will be among the bumper crowd.  

She’ll be barracking hard, for Nana Gail too, and cheering for the club that has brought her so much joy for many years, but especially in 2025.  

And there could be more to come yet.