Danaher this week becomes the first female player to play 250 games for her club, Shepparton, and according to available league records, is likely the first female player overall to play 250 games in CVIBL/VBL/Big V competition.

Limited access to historical material prevents the Big V confirming this record, but the league did confirm this week that Danaher's 250th would come in the game this weekend against Sunbury at Wanganui stadium.

Shepparton will come out in numbers to celebrate the achievement, and given Danaher's popularity and reputation throughout the league, she will no doubt receive plenty of good wishes from around the state.

In a career that has spanned 15 years, Danaher has reaped plenty of rewards. Eight times she has won her club MVP Award (('92, '93, '94, '95, '97, '98, '01, '05), and five times she has been named to the league's All Star Five team ('94, '95, '01, '04, '05). Three times she has walked away from the league's end of season event with the ultimate individual prize, the league MVP award, in 1992, 1993 and 1995).

Career averages of 12.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8apg and 3.2spg reinforce Danaher's reputation as a dominant performer in women's competition, often achieved in just the 40 minute version of the game.

League President Darryl Neal, who has seen Danaher play many times having presided over the league since 1992 himself, acknowledged Shepparton's champion guard today.

"Jodie has earned a reputation in this league that few will be able to match. She's been a great player, and everywhere we go in the league she is acknowledged with respect, both by her peers and her opponents."

"Individuals like Jodie Danaher are a key to the success of this league".

Making this achievement even more remarkable is that Danaher has player 250 games, within the context of playing for a country club - meaning 15 years of road travel, double header weekends and time away from family and friends.

In 2006, she has moved to a mentoring role within the club, for the first time Coaching the team while playing as well. Of course, success has followed with the Gators in second position on the Division One women's ladder.

Her 250th game for Shepparton, marks her second on the all-time list for that club. Paul Whitelaw retired last year having played 257 games for the Gators, a feat Danaher should surpass later in 2006.

The whole league community congratulates Jodie, and wishes her the very best for her 250th league game.

Article courtesy of www.bigv.com.au