GININE Sluiter has etched her name into Nangiloc netball history, playing her 100th senior game for the club last weekend, another major chapter in her career.
The long-time servant, who made her A Grade milestone appearance, said reaching the century mark was a great feeling and paid homage to those who have helped build her journey.
“I’ve obviously been there for a long time now and I’ve played and worked with a lot of different people over that time and the people are really what makes it at that club,” she said.
“They’ve helped me celebrate more than I expected but it has been so nice.
“Our president Cam Cox said some beautiful words for me which was really lovely and then a couple of the footballers held up a banner which was also so nice.”
Joining the club in 2018, Sluiter’s influence has been significant for Nangiloc both on and off the court.
She’s served as vice captain, skipper, B Grade coach, and is the current netball co-ordinator and A Grade player-coach.
Her tireless work was acknowledged through two best club person awards and the Spirit of Sport medallion, all accolades she values highly.
“I would have to say the proudest would be getting best club person,” she said.
“The club awards are about putting in so that everybody gets to do what we all love.”
Sluiter was also a major contributor to breaking a decades long drought for Nangiloc as she was named ‘best in finals’ when her side won last year’s Millewa netball grand final, which was a historic victory ending a 36-year premiership wait.
“I think I’ve cried more over that win than I did over any of the losses we ever had,” she said.
“Having people that helped build that momentum to finally get there was really, really great.”
While her on-court accolades include multiple runners-up best and fairest awards and three Millewa Team of the Year selections, Sluiter’s focused on remaining at Nangiloc for as long as possible.
“I will keep playing as long as I still can and honestly, I don’t think that there’s another club that I would go to at this point,” Sluiter said.
“I don’t know that I’ll continue the co-ordinator role forever, but I’m very happy with who’s there and I’m definitely happy at the club.”
