Jaimee-lee Wilson’s mum wanted her to retire from football after she hyperextended her knee in her first game.
That was 250 games ago, as on Saturday, Wilson ran out for game 250 for her beloved Sunbury Lions as they faced off against East Sunbury in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition.
“Reaching 250 games honestly feels surreal,” Wilson said before the game.
“I never set out chasing numbers — I just love the game, the people, and the moments we share on and off the field.
“I’m incredibly grateful to still be out there, contributing, learning and being part of something bigger than myself.
“Every game has taught me something, whether in victory or defeat.”
When Wilson started she was just going to fill in for a game, at the request of her long time best friend Alana Bell.
She is still playing 250 games later.
“I definitely didn’t plan on playing this long. I just kept showing up because I loved it — the game, the people, the laughs, the tough days, all of it.
“I’m so glad I said yes to that one fill-in game all those years ago.“
Wilson said it’s the people that keep her coming back every year.
She said the laughs, the banter, the team dinners and the midweek trainings when you’re tired but leave feeling lighter.
“It’s not about the wins or the stats, it’s about the connection,” she said. “This team’s been my second family for so long. And let’s be honest — I’m also here for the sneaky rubdowns.
“Plus, I’ve been filling in for 250 games now — might as well keep the streak alive.”
Wilson said there were so many highlights in her career and it’s never just been about the big wins, it’s the little moments and her teammates that mean most.
“The come-from-behind victories, the team songs sung completely off-key, the muddy games,” said Wilson who quickly runs to the rooms after much disliked muddy games so she doesn’t get dumped into the mud.
“That said, winning back-to-back premierships in 2009 and 2010, then another flag in 2015 — they’re hard to beat. Playing my first final on my birthday in 2009 and actually winning it.“
As well as playing Wilson has also been involved in coaching at the Lions, both senior and junior sides.
She said whether it’s been with the seniors or juniors, it has given her a whole new perspective on the game.
“It’s incredibly rewarding watching players grow in confidence, find their voice, and start to believe in themselves — especially the younger ones. “I’ve helped even one player feel more at home in footy, then that’s something I’m really proud of.“
Wilson has no plans to retire and says she still loves getting out there. With the Lions looking to form a women’s masters side next season, it’s set to continue her career even longer, even if her mum doesn’t like it.
“I always say I’ll keep playing as long as the body holds up — and as long as they’ll keep having me,“ she said.
“I still love it — the people, the energy, the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. So I’ll keep showing up until the boots walk off on their own … or someone hides them from me.
“Maybe I’ll retire when mum finally gives me her blessing — but I wouldn’t hold your breath!”
Off field, Wilson also makes banners which she stresses about and loses sleep over but will never run through them.
Wilson was quick to thank her teammates and family who have been part of the journey.
“I feel lucky to have shared the field with every one of them,“ she said. “Each of them taught me something — about footy, about resilience, about team — and they’ve all helped shape the player and person I am.
“I’d like to thank my amazing family. You’ve been there from day one — through the injuries, the wins, the losses, the muddy laundry and the last-minute banner panics.
“You’ve sat through freezing games, cheered when you had no idea what was happening, and somehow never told me to hang up the boots, except mum.”
Wilson would have liked for the milestone to go under the radar, but long time teammate Krystie Dudley has made sure she got her moment in the spotlight.
There were plenty of celebrations on Saturday.
“I’m usually happy flying under the radar, so having the spotlight on me feels a little strange,” Wilson said.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a group that backs each other in and makes these moments special.“
