Hancock celebrates 200 games

The Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club will celebrate a significant milestone this weekend, with Melanie Hancock playing her 200^th senior netball game on Saturday against Yarra Junction.

Hancock, who played her first game for the Burras on April 18^th 2009 in B Grade against Gembrook Cockatoo, has played primarily as a goal shooter.

She was the leading goal shooter on several occasions in B Grade in 2011-13, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Additionally, she was also the best goal shooter in C Grade in 2014. Since the league netball competition commenced in 2005, Mel has scored 3523 goals and is eighth overall in the top goal shooters.

In 2011, Melanie won her first club Best & Fairest Award, taking out the B Grade trophy and backing up these efforts in 2013, 2016 and 2019.

Additionally, in 2017, Hancock was selected in the Burras ‘Best Team Ever’ (2005 to 2016) as part of the Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club 50 Years Celebration.

Hancock was also selected as captain of B Grade in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Mel and her family have an extensive involvement at Warburton Millgrove, with three of her family members having a past or present connection at the Burras. The club is extremely fortunate to have a family who is dedicated to being involved in both playing and administration across the club.

Trudy Bond, Mel’s sister, is the Vice President for netball at the Burras and is also the Netball Coordinator.

Her mother, Lindy, was awarded life membership of the Burras in 2005 for her outstanding service to the club and still comes along to support her daughters and all netball teams at matches throughout the season.

Ian Hancock, Mel’s father, played football for Warburton Millgrove and coached the Reserves side from 1989 to 1994, leading them to premierships victories in 1991 and 1994.

In addition to her playing commitments, Hancock has always been an active member around the club, serving on the committee as the netball representative. Her great contribution to the ongoing success of netball within the club has been outstanding.

Melanie Hancock has set a wonderful example for the young netballers throughout her time at the Burras and the club would like to congratulate Mel on an outstanding achievement and thank her for her wonderful commitment and the positive example she has always displayed.