LUCINA Pickett admits she feels like a grandma when she lines up for Old Collegians each Saturday. "The team we've got this year is so young," the 43-year-old said. "It's great though because it's a rebuilding time for the club. "We've got a lot of good juniors coming through so give us a season or two and I think we'll be back up there." A newcomer to the Warrnambool and District league would find it hard to believe that just three years ago, the Warriors were up there. They claimed the 2006 premiership - their seventh in 11 years. The senior side is no longer a powerhouse, instead floating around the bottom of the ladder. "(The seven premierships) was such an awesome time and we were lucky because we had a group of girls who stuck together," said Pickett, who was involved in six flags. "We only ever replaced one or two players." The defender plays her 250th game for Old Collegians on Sunday. She arrived at Davidson Oval in 1996 after two seasons with East Warrnambool. Family connections drew her to the Warriors, where she has returned to the senior ranks after three years in A reserve. She acknowledged losing the likes of Karen Earls and Susan Pettigrew was a big blow to the green and gold's top team. "In the last three of four years, girls have dropped off and no disrespect to anybody but the quality of the girls who replace them just isn't quite there," she said. "We'll be successful again though." Sunday sees the team which has come to the end of its dynasty take on a side which is perhaps just beginning theirs.
The winless Collegians play the undefeated Merrivale, which is aiming for its third straight flag - a feat which has only been achieved once in the league, by the Warriors. "Just looking at what Merrivale's done already this season I know it's going to be a tough game," Pickett said. "They're a very good side and are like us when we were at our best." Her milestone sees her become the second Warriors netballer to join the 250-game club this season. A reserve player Jayne Toleman, 45, racked up her 250th against Timboon Demons in round two. The defender's switch from Warrnambool about 15 years ago proved to be a successful one as she played in all seven of the Warriors' senior premierships.