Lions’ pride at 150-game milestones

There was something special in the air at the Kings Park netball courts on Sunday afternoon, as the Seymour Football Netball Club came together to celebrate the 150-game milestone of its beloved Sarah Szczykulski.

A stalwart in the Lions’ defensive ring for much of the past decade, Szczykulski has constantly challenged the best attackers the Goulburn Valley League has had to offer, with her dogged determination the main pillar behind her success.

Currently captain of the A-grade side, Szczykulski was once again at her dominant best in her milestone game, putting together a complete performance in the Lions’ 61-35 win over Mansfield.

Speaking post-game, Szczykulski said it was an honour to celebrate the occasion in front of a home crowd.

“It was really nice (to bring up the milestone), I have been at the club for over 10 years, having started in the under-17s before making my way up into the senior level,” Szczykulski said.

“So to be able to do it at home was really nice and come away with a big win made the day all the more special.”

Szczykulski wasn’t the only Lion to bring up a milestone at the weekend, with fellow defender Georgia Engel also notching up her 150th game in the A-grade win over Mansfield.

Szczykulski said being able to share the day with one of her close friends made it all the more special.

“That was really nice. Georgia stepped up into A-grade again for us, which she has done countless times, and it was great to share it with someone who’s also been at the club a long time,” she said.

“Us defenders all like to look after each other, so to be out on court with her today, it was special.”

Along with being a dominant performer in the maroon-andblue and helping deliver two premierships to her home town, Szczykulski’s career has taken her to incredible heights, having represented the GVL, Tasmania, Victoria and Australia.

But when it comes to highlights, she said it was the premiership glory that stood out.

“It is pretty hard to go past the two premierships we won,” she said.

“Playing with that group of girls for so long, it is really special to have that bond, while also being able to watch a lot of the young guys come up through the ranks and into A-grade, it has made the journey all the more enjoyable.

“With Seymour being my home town, it is an honour to be able to represent it week in and week out and to have a bit of success along the way has been the cherry on top.”

As for the prospect of adding a third premiership to the tally, Szczykulski said the Lions were placed beautifully for another tilt in September as they sit atop the A-grade table.

“It is a really exciting time around the club at the moment,” she said.

“Over the last couple of weeks we have slightly dipped in our performances, but if we lift a little bit we will be right in the hunt.”