TikTok fights, ice baths and Tim Tams: How these two glam athletes fell in love
Meet the professional athletes who fell in love – but they still can’t decide on this one thing.
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They’re two of Queensland top athletes and now a couple as Queensland Bulls player Angus Lovell, 25, and Queensland Firebird player Lara Dunkley, 30, share life as a couple one year into their relationship.
ANGUS LOVELL
How did you meet? I made a deal with the boys that if Steve Smith scored a 50 we were going out for one drink. He ended up scoring a well-compiled 60, so an hour later we were at Mr Percival’s (at Howard Smith Wharves). I met Lara and her friends for the first time that night.
What was the one thing you noticed about her? Her height (180cm) and how engaged she was in our conversation about the benefits of ice baths.
What was your most standout date?
A standout for me is definitely a place called Firebreak, which is an off-grid cabin and outdoor hot tub on a farm near the Bunya Mountains. It was an awesome weekend and about as close to camping as we will get.
What’s the most romantic thing she has ever done? Either the time she made the effort to come down to Adelaide for the last day of the Sheffield Shield final or anytime I’ve had a big day and she comes home with a packet of Tim Tams.
What is the secret to a happy relationship?
Not taking things too seriously; respect; and appreciating the little things.
What is the thing you argue the most about? It’s not an argument, but we can never decide on what to have for dinner.
What do you find most annoying about each other?
Anytime she tries to make me do a TikTok.
Who does most of the cooking?
Depends who’s in off-season, but it’s a pretty even split. She’s a great cook.
What trait do you like most about her? She’s very genuine and caring, she lights up a room and is occasionally very funny.
LARA DUNKLEY
How did you meet? It’s a cool story, actually: my cousin was in Brisbane from Perth for my brother’s (Brisbane Lion Josh Dunkley’s) AFL prelim final, and dependent on his result I had promised to take her out to show her Brisbane after. The Lions won so we went to Mr Percival’s and that’s where I met Angus.
What was the first thing you noticed about him? His humour, big smile and how generous he was.
What was your most standout date?
We don’t get many chances to go away together, so whenever we travel somewhere is always nice. Some of our favourite places for weekends away are the Sunny Coast, Byron Bay, Kingscliff and hinterland Noosa.
What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you? Last Christmas he flew home to my family farm (in Victoria) to meet the whole family. Even though it was a short trip I loved how he made the effort.
What is the toughest thing you’ve had to overcome together in your relationship? Our seasons never lining up. Cricket is in summer and netball in winter. We’re always busy at different times, so it can be challenging, but it’s made us stronger and more appreciative of the moments we do get to share.
What is the secret to a happy relationship?
Laugh together, talk honestly, respect each other and keep making memories like it’s your first adventure.
Who puts the bins out? I currently live with Josh, my brother, who I’m very grateful for, and he puts the bins out.
What is the thing you argue the most about? Deciding what to have for dinner. We both never know what we want to eat, so deciding becomes a never-ending “I don’t know; what do you want?”
What do you find the most annoying about each other?
It’s tough to be annoyed at Angus, but when he loves teasing me and stirring the pot, that definitely gets me. Plus he has this thing for scaring me when I least expect it!
Who does the most cooking?
I’d say it’s 50/50. Angus cooks the meat and I do the salads and veggies.
What is the trait you like most about him? Angus always finds the good in things, which is hard not to love.
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