In action: Nathan Sellwood celebrates his 300th game this week. Picture: Shawn Smits
AS Sunbury Jets' Nathan Sellwood steps on the court this weekend for his 300th match, it's the beginning of the end of his career.
Having played with the club since being a junior, Sellwood is heading off to America for work in the coming months.
Unsure how many more games he will play, the 300-gamer is celebrating the milestone in a fitting way.
"I started playing juniors in Sunbury and then seniors.
"In the mid-1990s I started playing seniors and I entered the VBL [Victorian Basketball League] in 1998.
"I played up to 2003, before going to Frankston to play in the SEABL [South East Australian Basketball League]."
He said the SEABL gave him a chance to play at a higher level.
"When I left Sunbury I felt that I had done everything I could in the Big V.
"There was an opportunity to play at a more professional level, which took a bit of an adjustment.
"It was good to play with some of the greats of the SEABL."
Sellwood spent time at Sherbrooke (20 games) and Diamond Valley (10) before deciding to return home.
"I came back to play with friends and enjoy playing with them."
He said the competition had changed enormously since he started playing.
"The amount of teams in the competition has increased dramatically and so has the junior programs.
"So many young kids are part of the program."
Sellwood has seen the highs and lows in his career.
His teams have won championships in 1999 and 2007-08. He was all-star five member from 1999-2003 and was league MVP and leading scorer in 2002.
Sunbury is in a rebuilding phase.
"There's a bit of a gap between the older players and the younger players ... we are missing the 25-28 bracket.
"A lot of young guys are quality players and the system allowed them to get a few years in the system before stepping up."
While Sellwood will play his 300th game away against Hawthorn, the Jets will honour his achievement on Sunday before their match against Chelsea.
A presentation will be made, with past players, families and fans being invited to attend.
Jets lose
The Jets' losing streak continued after they were defeated by Whittlesea 91-73 at Boardman Stadium on Saturday night. Mabor Maniel top-scored with 24 points and had 11 rebounds.
But the women's team recorded a good win against Whittlesea, 68-47. Emmie O'Nial had 17 points and Chelsea Giannino 14.