To play 137 games of AFL football is no mean feat. Indeed, fewer than 11 per cent of players have reached the mark. Nevertheless, Geoff Jennings, who played the first of his 137 games for the Bulldogs on this day in 1974, can count himself unlucky not to have reached a much higher figure.

Recruited from Traralgon - very fertile territory for the Bulldogs that also brought the club names such as Kelvin Templeton, Bernie Quinlan, Rick Kennedy and Brian Cordy - Jennings arrived at Whiten Oval early in 1974 expecting to play under 19s, but good practice match form saw him debut for Footscray's senior side in round one.

The Bulldogs had a big win over Geelong in his first match, and Jennings had 13 touches and kicked a goal, establishing himself early as a permanent member of the side.

Struck down by a broken shoulder sustained against Fitzroy in round seven of that season, Jennings missed 15 weeks but returned for the elimination final, which the Bulldogs lost to Collingwood. 

Jennings proved himself to be a fine rover in the ensuing years, his blistering pace a regular feature. Excellent seasons in 1976, 1977 and 1978 saw him poll regular Brownlow Medal votes. His great skills and leadership qualities saw him elevated to the captaincy in 1979, a role he held with distinction for three seasons.

Sadly for Jennings severe ankle and groin injuries hampered his later years and ultimately forced his retirement from the game at just 28 years of age. A great clubman, he continues to serve the Bulldogs in a variety of ways, including coaching the reserves in 1985, until he moved to Queensland in 1987.

Jennings has remained in the Sunshine State until this day but is still, along with the rest of his family, a passionate Bulldog.