In an intimate reveal, Brisbane Lions’ Josh Dunkley and Queensland Firebirds’ Tippah Dwan shared the touching details of their romance, including the pivotal moment Dunkley knew he had found his soulmate.
Josh Dunkley, 27, a key player for the Brisbane Lions, and Tippah Dwan, 24, a standout netballer for Suncorp Super Netball’s Queensland Firebirds, have been together for three and a half years.
Their relationship, which began through a family connection (Dunkley’s sister Lara, also a Firebirds player) has thrived despite the challenges posed by their professional sports careers and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brisbane Lions star Josh Dunkley and Queensland Firebird Tippah Dwan are happily in love
There were challenges early in their relationship, as Dunkley lived in Melbourne and played for the Western Bulldogs.
The couple has been together for almost four years, overcoming distance and COVID confinements.
The couple met while Dunkley was playing for the Western Bulldogs, but he had traveled to Queensland to play football.
“We met through his sister Lara when Josh was in Queensland doing football during 2020, then we spent a lot of time together in the off-season,” Dwan told News Corp.
“I thought he was very handsome, but I also realized he was a lovely boy from the beginning.”
Geographic distance, coupled with COVID lockdowns, posed many challenges in the path of the young lovers.
‘Living in different cities, we would do anything to see each other whenever we had the chance. Even if it was for a short time, we would make it work to see each other.’ Dwan said.
Dunkley’s fondest memory is receiving a heartfelt gift and letter from Dwan during a particularly difficult period of isolation and injury recovery.
‘When we were living apart and couldn’t see each other much due to COVID, I was struggling with a shoulder injury and isolation. She sent me a gift and a letter that I will treasure forever,’ she said.
Dunkley said there was one gesture from Dwan during difficult times that he will always treasure.
The young lovers are now one of the most powerful couples in Queensland and Australian sport.
The pair support each other and are regularly seen attending each other’s games.
And Dunkley admitted to falling for her boyfriend very quickly, despite their separation during the isolation period.
‘After a few months of knowing each other. I just felt like she was the one,” she said.
Their story is not just about romantic gestures but also about the day-to-day realities of sharing a life together.
From deciding who takes out the trash (Dunkley’s job) to deciding who does most of the housework, they emphasize communication and mutual support as the foundation of their happiness.
“Always being willing to listen to each other no matter the circumstances,” Dunkley said, was the secret to their happy relationship.
‘Also allowing the other person to live their own life and do things that make them happy.’
Dwan added: “Helping and understanding each other through the difficult times, but also appreciating the good times by spending quality time with each other.”