Key defender Zaine Cordy will make his 50th appearance in red, white and blue when the Western Bulldogs play Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon.
Cordy’s family connection to the Club is well-known, with his father, uncles and older brother all playing for the Bulldogs.
He was drafted as a father-son selection at pick 62 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, but has quickly made his own mark at Whitten Oval.
“It’s a huge honour,” Cordy told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“Dad played at this club, my brother’s played at this club, so to continue that tradition is very nice and 50 games is a nice milestone.”
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Cordy made his AFL debut in his first season on the Bulldogs’ list, in 2015, before becoming an AFL premiership player the following year.
“Obviously the grand final in my second year (was a highlight) – it was only my 11th game, so I didn’t really know what to expect when I went into that game,” he said.
“Looking back at it now, it’s a very surreal feeling. Hopefully we can get another one.”
Over the past two seasons, the 22-year-old has become a key member of the Bulldogs’ line-up and established himself in the back six, playing 37 of a possible 44 matches.
“I think that’s where I play my best footy, down back – Luke (Beveridge) thinks that as well,” Cordy said, with a laugh.
“I sort of just do what I’m told, but I think defender is where I’m going to be for most of my career.
“At the moment it’s just (about) trying to play good, consistent games, and win games.”
Cordy’s milestone match will present a huge challenge – a Hawthorn forward line featuring the likes of Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston and Luke Breust – but it’s one he’s ready to tackle.
“Traditionally the Hawks have been pretty good users of the football. They’re very good by foot and seem to find marks flat out. Our challenge this week is going to be to defend that,” he said.
“Also, their forward line usually works pretty well, so that will be a bit of a challenge as well.”
