The Wimmera League game was played at the Rats' home ground at Alexandra Oval, winning by a seven goal margin.

Shea herself has returned to the Rats A Grade side this season after a two-year break from A Grade.

"In 2016 I nominated to play B Grade to expose some of our juniors to A Grade," she said.

Shea filled in for a few games but was balancing sport with family; Shea's daughter also plays netball with the Rats, her son plays basketball, and her husband coaches.

"I need to thank my kids, because they are the reason I'm back," she said.

When asked, Shea said she had wanted to keep the occasion low fuss.

"I didn't want anything," she said.

"It was supposed to be a secret but it was good that everybody sort of got together and wanted to celebrate it with me.

"I was emotional and touched that people wanted to celebrate."

Although Shea said the game itself was "very special", she also said she felt like she had already ticked off a big goal when she played her 400^th game.

"I never thought I'd be back playing, especially A Grade," she said.

"I think playing 400 A Grade games back in Nhill a couple of years ago was something that was a goal for me and I thought well, I was happy with that goal.

"We celebrated that and this is a bonus because I probably thought that I would never get to 500.

"I thought I'd celebrated the 400 and people wanted to celebrate something else again, so I was just happy to hop back on the court."

The rest of the team were no doubt happy too, because Shea was named Best On Court.

Shea's reaction to the celebration was heartfelt, and indicative of the caring approach she takes to netball and her role as a teacher.

"I found out later the little girls (younger players) have made that (balloon arch) and they were questioning who is this for and what has she done - I just hope that inspires them to continue at the club," she said.

"I just hope I can instill something in one player - then I'll be happy."

A Grade coach Taylor Mason said Shea's on court effort in round three was brilliant.

"She played fantastic on her 500^th game, just shot all day and was really physical," she said.

"I played on goals with her and it was a really physical game and she kept pushing through and played really well."

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