BREAKING: Sunbury Lions goaler Rebecca Hicks has made history by scoring her 1,000th goal of the season during an electrifying match against Melton on August 26, 2023. This landmark achievement comes as Hicks needed just 39 goals heading into the Lions’ final round, but she surpassed expectations by netting an astounding 100 goals in the match.
The game was an absolute showcase for Hicks, as she led her team to a commanding 107-24 victory. With a large crowd cheering her on, Hicks demonstrated her skill and determination, shooting 92 goals to secure her milestone. “It’s really exciting,” Hicks declared. “I have looked at the last two years’ goal-scoring trophies to look at how many I’ve shot. The highest was 760 something. It is wild.”
This incredible milestone places Hicks among the elite in the sport, as she becomes only the third player in the state to achieve such a feat, following Emma Ryde in the Gippsland League and Jane Cook in the Victorian Netball League (VNL). “I said to Coach Kim Bailey that I will retire next year, and she said no you won’t,” Hicks added, hinting at her desire to continue competing. “Maybe I’ll keep going and hopefully, we will be going for back-to-back-to-back.”
Family and teammates surrounded Hicks as she celebrated her remarkable achievement. “It’s not just my achievement; it’s theirs too,” she emphasized, acknowledging her team’s critical role in her success. The emotional moment was shared with her children, who play their own netball. “It means a lot for them to see that,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll do it again, so to see them watch me shoot 1,000 goals is so special.”
Earlier in the day, Hicks also contributed to the Woodend-Hesket team, helping them secure a victory in the Riddell District Netball League qualifying final against Riddell with a score of 51-41.
As the Sunbury Lions now prepare for the finals, having finished the regular season with only one loss, they are set to face Darley in the qualifying finals. This achievement not only marks a significant personal milestone for Hicks but also sets the stage for an exhilarating finals series ahead.
This historic moment for Rebecca Hicks is not just about personal glory; it embodies the spirit of teamwork and dedication that resonates deeply within the sport. Fans and fellow players alike are eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.
