MELINDA Van De Heuvel - or "Griggsy" as she's better known due to her resemblance to television presenter Johanna Griggs - will today make Ballarat Football League netball history.

The tenacious Sebastopol defender will become the first BFL player to reach 250 games when she takes to the St James Primary School courts for the reserves against North City.

Van De Heuvel was an inaugural member of the Kookaburra's senior team when the BFL competition began in 1991, temporarily hanging up her skirt from 1998 until 2001 to have her two children, Bailey and Sophie.

On her return, she slotted back easily into the reserves, winning back-to-back BFL reserves best and fairest awards in 2005-06.

While she is renowned as a defender, Van De Heuvel would love to spend some time at the other end of the court.

"I'd like to think I could shoot but the coach (Sharon Firns) won't let me have a go."

However, Van De Heuvel doesn't play netball for individual awards but rather team success, which she achieved in 1993 when Sebastopol defeated Beaufort for the seniors trophy and 10 years later when the reserves won against Sunbury.

"I'd rather achieve team success so then the whole team can enjoy it," she said.

Describing herself as in her 30s, Van De Heuvel isn't looking any further than playing finals this year.

"This footy club's been part of my life for so long. It's like a home away from home.

"When I reached 200 games I said I'd keep playing until 250 games or another premiership.

"I'm just taking it as it comes and seeing how we go."