Shea broke the Rats’ games record last year after she surpassed 450 games across various grades.

She will celebrate the milestone alongside team-mate Jakki Gibson, who will play her 300th Wimmera league A Grade game against Nhill at Davis Park on Saturday.

Shea said it was wonderful to reach a milestone with her partner in crime.

“We’ve played together for so many years and to share this with Jakki is an honour,” she said. 

Shea, who joined the Rats in 1987, said reaching 400 games was not something she thought too much about.

“You don’t really count the games. You just go out every weekend and play,” she said.

“It becomes part of your life. My family has been involved in the club for a long time and I’ve never known anything else.”

A veteran of the game at 42, Shea is known for her durability and dynamic play.

She had hip surgery earlier this season and returned without missing a beat, continuing to top-score for the Rats each week since.

“The surgeon encouraged me to get back,” she said.

“It was his motivation that has driven me, plus I coach juniors and wanted to set an example that yes, you can return from injury. 

“I haven’t let it beat me.”