Geelong United’s new guard Gemma Potter considered retirement after second ACL injury in 18 months

A Geelong United guard says she contemplated retirement while recovering from her second ACL in 18 months, but is now determined to make an impact for her new team.

Geelong United's Gemma Potter has overcome two ACL injuries. Picture: Peter Foster.

There’s more to life than putting a ball in a hole.

That’s been one of the main learnings for new Geelong United guard Gemma Potter following consecutive ACL injuries which put her basketball development on hold for two years.

Speaking to this masthead just a few days before the WNBL season opener against Townsville at Geelong Arena, the straight talking 22-year-old is fully aware she’s about to play a big part in local basketball history.

However, that excitement and anticipated is tinged with a kind of perspective that comes from doing your knee in consecutive years, 18 months apart.

Her first came in May, 2021 while competing in the under-20 national championships.

The second was in the opening quarter of the first game of the 2022-23 WNBL season in November against the Bendigo Spirt.

Townsville’s Courtney Woods is guarded by Canberra’s Gemma Potter in December, 2023. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

In an Instagram post, Potter, who began her junior career at Warrandyte, said her career was placed on “pause” for two years.

Now approaching her sixth year in the league, Potter has only managed to put together two full seasons so far, and is itching to add a third at Geelong Arena under Chris Lucas.

The six foot guard arrives in good nick, putting together a strong NBL1 South campaign with the Diamond Valley Eagles, averaging nearly 20 points and seven rebounds a game, after a 23-24 WNBL season with the Canberra Capitals — her fifth with the franchise after making her debut in 2019.

It was a strong return, winning the Kellie Abrams Defensive Player of the Year award.

However, there were times, well before last season’s triumphant return, where Potter wondered if she would ever play again.

Learning to walk again, and needing her mother to assist her during trips to the bathroom, after a second ACL, Potter admits she considered retirement.

“I definitely considered walking away,” Potter said.

Geelong United's Gemma Potter has overcome two ACL injuries. Picture: Peter Foster.

“When I was trying to walk again after my second ACL, I think that was definitely when I was at my lowest

“Learning how to go to the toilet again, I had my mum there every step of the way, lifting me up and down off the toilet seat, when you’re pretty vulnerable in that situation, you wonder if it’s worth it.”

However, she came to learn it “definitely” was, and a rehab dog named Jax became one of the silver linings of an incredibly tough period of her life.

“I got a dog during my rehab which was one of the best things, I’ve got a friend for life,” she said.

“That’s the best thing to come from it to be honest.”

Potter battles for the ball at the national under-18s championships for Victoria Metro. Picture: Evan Morgan

There was also a new obsession with crochet, and a number of random jobs: a secretary for a dermatologist, IT worker for a sponsor of the Canberra Caps, childcare and the government.

However, basketball is her number one trade, and after a full season with the Eagles, Potter’s mindset began to shift as her confidence increased.

“Last (WNBL) season was about getting confidence again and trusting my body,” she said.

“Any time stepping onto the court and not getting injured is a little win for me.

“Slowly getting out of that mindset of congratulating myself for not doing an ACL.

“Another six months of playing (with the Eagles), getting a feel for the game, is exactly what I needed heading into the season.”

Perspective is another weapon in her off-court armoury.

“I realised life is bigger than basketball and putting a ball in a hole, I got an appreciation for everything outside of life,” she said.

“Basketball isn’t a job for life so I got to put my fingers in different things.

“I definitely took a lot from (both injuries), I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

Originally published as Geelong United’s new guard Gemma Potter considered retirement after second ACL injury in 18 months