Jordan Lewis, Hawthorn’s midfield battering ram, is reaching 200 AFL games in remarkably quick time.
The 28-year-old will achieve the milestone on Saturday against St Kilda after making his debut in round three, 2005.
Lewis has proved as durable as he is reliable.
Most notably, he had a sickening collision with Jarrod Harbrow after running back with the flight of the ball in a 2010 game.
While Lewis’ form dipped from the effects of the concussion, he kept playing.
“The reason people get to 200 is they’re resilient and their bodies obviously have to hold up,” he said.
“You’ve got to play some sort of consistent football.
“No doubt, it’s gone quick … to reach that at 28 and be involved in some really good game and be involved at one club is something I will be proud of once I finish.”
Amid growing concern about the long-term effects of concussion among ex-footballers, Lewis is confident about his health once he retires.
“I’ve only had serious knock and maybe a few little concussions,” he said.
“It’s probably something you can’t comment on now, because I don’t feel any effects from it.
“Down the track you never know and there have obviously been studies … and ex-players coming out and saying knocks in football have contributed to their mental issues.
“But I can’t see it affecting me.”
Lewis is one of several players from Hawthorn’s 2008-13 premiership era who are reaching big milestone.
Sam Mitchell reached 250 games last Sunday and Lewis’ long-time friend Jarryd Roughead is closing on 200.
Roughead said if he wants the job, Lewis would be ideal player to succeed Luke Hodge as Hawks captain.
“I dare say he’ll be the next skipper if he wants it,” Roughead said.
“It’s well-earnt 200 and hopefully we can chair him off on Saturday.”
That brought a predictable response from Lewis, a no-nonsense character.
“No chair” he said.
Lewis added any of five players could take over the captaincy when Hodge gives it up.
“We’re predicting Hodgey doesn’t want to be the captain, but as long as Hodgey wants to do it .. he will be captain,” Lewis said.