In a busy start to the 2026 season North Geelong has a long list of upcoming milestones to celebrate.
Not only is it the club’s 150th anniversary this year but it is also club legend and netball superstar Silvia Luczo’s 400 game milestone this Saturday, May 23.
The Magpies will be hosting their 150 years celebration on the June 21 but, until then, all eyes have been on Silvia.
The home ground at North Geelong was buzzing during their Thursday night training as the long awaited milestone game gets closer.
President of the GDFNL, Darryl Jarvis, was amongst those in attendance and recognised Silvia for her incredible loyalty to the league.
“It’s great,” he exclaimed.
“She won the Margaret Webb medal many, many years ago when she was only a teen.”
Silvia is a life member of North Geelong and has been involved in netball since it was first introduced to the league in 2002.
North Geelong’s past president, Jason Habib, has seen Silvia’s growth as a player throughout her 400 games at the club and understands the significance of such a milestone.
“She’s been here since day one,” Jason reflected.
“She’s a seven time best and fairest winner and she’s just a legend of the club - for Silv to do it in the 150th year celebration is massive.”
Silvia has also won the league’s best and fairest award in 2007 and 2009 making her a highly successful member of the North Geelong FNC.
A-Grade netball captain, Marney McRandall, admires Silvia for her long term commitment and dedication to the Magpies as both a netball player and a member of the community.
“It’s huge,” she reflected.
“Not many people get 400 games, especially at one club.
“I’m sure everyone will get around Silv and make it such a massive day for her.”
Whilst the whole club will be celebrating alongside Silvia, the milestone feels a bit more special for Silvia’s teammates who have been with her throughout her netball journey.
Silvia’s best friend teammate, Lauren Drever, has been by Silvia’s side throughout their time playing for North Geelong and can’t wait to celebrate on the weekend.
“It’s so important to me, we both love black and white,” Lauren said.
“We’ve played together for twenty odd years, maybe longer.”
Lauren will also be celebrating her own milestone this year as she approaches 350 games, so she understands just how impressive Silvia’s achievement is.
“I’m very proud of her milestone,” Lauren exclaimed.
“400 games doesn’t happen that often.”
Silvia and Lauren will take on Inverleigh this weekend, hoping to get the win for the milestone game in an already successful season.
Whilst the stakes seem high for North Geelong’s D Grade netball side, Silvia remains focused on her team as her milestone game approaches.
“I feel it’s just another game as much as it’s a big milestone for me as well,” Silvia admitted.
“I just want to play well for the team and that’s all that really matters to me.”
Despite this, Silvia and her team hope to get the win over Inverleigh who are sitting three places above them on the ladder after round six.
“It would be amazing if we could get the win” she shared.
“It’s going to be a tough battle for sure but we’re going to put our best out on court and hopefully give Inverleigh a really good run for their money.”
Whilst North Geelong will have a lot of celebrating to do in the coming weeks, players and club members appreciate the acceptance and genuine care that the club provides.
“The friends that I’ve made through netball and at this club, it’s family” she concluded.
“Lifelong friendships – it’s amazing.”
The North Geelong FNC will proudly support Silvia as she plays her 400th game on Saturday with the celebrations set to continue into next month as the club marks its 150th anniversary.
Congratulations Silvia on an incredible 400 games with North Geelong and we wish you the best of luck this weekend.
