To launch Australian telco Optus’ new brand platform and partnership with the NBL (National Basketball League) and the WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League), we told a sporting story about a hero who rarely features in sports ads. One who embodied the Aussie can-do spirit that lies at the heart of our brand. An eighty-something Nonna who finds herself thrust into a volunteer coaching role for her grandson’s U15s basketball team. Volunteer coaches are such an integral part of sport, but they are rarely the star of the story. These people give up their time and energy to make sport possible for others and are often thrown into these roles with little to no training. This is exactly what happens to Maria, who is subbed in in the run-up to the semifinals. Despite enormous gaps in knowledge, language, height and age, she finds a way. Set to Cerrone’s ‘Supernature’ and shot on 35mm film by Steve Ayson, the film sets out to show what it takes to beat overwhelming odds and come out on top. A rollercoaster with highs and lows celebrated equally. Ultimately, the film proves that it doesn’t matter how old or unqualified you are, there’s always a way.