Her former Silver Ferns teammate and occasional adversary at national league level, Bernice Mene, told of how Dalton would sometimes taunt her on the netball court - "I always manage to get under there Bernie, how did I get under there Bernie?" Mene recalled.
It wasn't just Dalton's former teammates who gathered to pay their respects to the woman they affectionately knew as "T-Bag". Dotted in various pocket around the large function room were players from all eras - from the Silver Ferns who took the court before her, to the current generation of stars - all leaning on one another for support as those in close team environments often do.
Dalton, second from right, with the Silver Ferns. Photo / File
Then there was the next generation of players. The classrooms of several North Shore high schools would have been a little light on numbers this afternoon, as young netball players whom Dalton nurtured through the ranks of North Harbour netball turned out in force to honour their much-loved coach.
That sense of loss the netball community is feeling has been replicated through many other communities, with Dalton a well-known figure in basketball, surf lifesaving, touch, and rugby circles.
But it is a loss that will be felt keenest of all by her family, whom her close friend Helen Hall observed made Dalton the "happiest and best version of herself".
In an emotional final tribute, her three children Tayla, Charlie and Matt each stood before the crowded auditorium and spoke of how lucky they were to have a mum that set herself apart from the others in every way.
Her husband Duane spoke of the pain of losing his "wingman, soulmate and bestie", before Dalton's casket was carried out to her favourite table-dancing anthem Sweet Caroline to an awaiting hearse, for a lap of honour around the field of North Harbour Stadium.
The "victory lap" drew a spontaneous round of applause from the crowd - a final celebration of the woman who taught us to laugh at ourselves, to be generous with our time, to give back to the community, to treasure our family and loved ones.
And to never stop dancing on tables.
