The next time Sam Winders takes the court will mark the next major milestone in her illustrious career to date, with the former Silver Fern on the cusp of her 150th National League game.
Winders joined the GIANTS ahead of this season following nine seasons and 138 games with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Southern Steel in New Zealand.
For a career spanning 10 years, two countries and now three clubs, taking the court on any occasion isn’t taken for granted and something the 29-year-old continues to find real enjoyment in.
“I remember my first game so clearly, definitely not like it was yesterday but still so clearly,” she said upon reflection.
“After that game I thought if this is the only game I every play I will be stoked. So, to have a few more up my sleeve is pretty exciting.
“I do it because I love it and every game I have found some level of enjoyment and whether it is one or 150 I’m just happy to be here.”
For a player with such experience, this season has brought so many more of them.
A new competition with new rules, a new team and now new surroundings to celebrate her milestone.
“Well, my 50th just went totally unnoticed and my 100th was kind of just fun because it was at home and I got to see what it meant to my family and friends as well,” she said when asked how this milestone ranks against the rest.
“But then this one is a little reminder that I’m definitely not the same person and player that I was back then.
“I’ve branched out and spread my netball wings I guess by being here in Sydney.
“But yeah, all three milestones have been very different and are special for different reasons.”
As the 2024 season unfortunately draws to a close for Winders and the GIANTS, it’s a season and a chapter in her career that she has been stoked to have been a part of.
“I think I'm just really proud that I’ve embraced every inch of it,” she said.
“I’ve embraced every inch of Sydney living, just tried really hard within the GIANTS environment and made the most of every training, soaking up the facilities, getting to know the girls and making an effort away from the court with them as well.
“When I go home at the end – whenever that might be – at least I can say I gave it a good go and that’s what I'm most happy about it.”
With two games still to be played, the resident Kiwi said there is still plenty to play for.
“We’re actually a really good team. I know everyone has said it but we’re just having these multiple moments in a row in matches which just screw us over,” she said.
“We are able [to beat the Mavericks and Swifts] we have done it before and in pre-season and we can do it again.
“We’re at home, we have a GIANTS crowd behind us, and we have nothing to lose except our pride and dignity which should be enough to play for.”
The GIANTS will take on the Mavericks this Saturday at Ken Rosewall Arena before closing out their 2024 season at home on Sunday, July 14 against the Swifts.
