WHEN Lindsay Gilbee runs out for the Western Bulldogs against the Sydney Swans this weekend, he will become the club’s newest life member.

Saturday’s clash against the Swans at Manuka Oval will be Gilbee’s 150th game for the Dogs – a milestone he wasn’t always confident of reaching.

“It’s really weird. If you’d have asked me eight or nine years ago if I’d play 150 games, I would have probably said no,” he said on Tuesday.

“I was up and down there for a little bit, in and out of the side.

“I’m 28 in July and I remember guys when I first walked into the club saying make sure you enjoy your time because it absolutely flies … and it does. It is something I’m pretty proud of.”

Now in his ninth season of AFL football after being drafted at No.43 in the 1999 AFL National Draft, Gilbee said his focus has moved firmly from his own achievements to those of the team.

And with the Bulldogs coming off a preliminary final appearance in 2008, he said a premiership was firmly in the club’s sights.

“We see a certain window of opportunity… the time is now and we know that. Opportunities come and go in football and we’ve got an opportunity now,” he said.

“We’ve got a reasonably strong list and some good up and coming young players. It’s something I want to be around for in the next five or six years.”

Five more years would see Gilbee still running around for the Bulldogs at the ripe age of 33 but he need only look to the recent feats of one of the club’s veterans, Jason Akermanis, for inspiration.

The 32-year-old produced 25 touches and four goals in his 300th game against Geelong last weekend and Gilbee said his teammate’s form warranted him playing on in 2010.

“Aker is in Brownlow Medal-winning form. He’s doing really well. He said earlier in the year that he wants to retire, but hopefully he can play on. If he continues this form, there’s no reason why (not),” Gilbee said.

“His body is in great condition, it’s more of a mind thing – does he want to put himself through another pre-season?

“I’d love to see him play on again next year and continue the form that he’s shown so far.”