Football and family go hand in hand for Zaine Cordy.
The 24-year-old will play his 100th AFL game for the Western Bulldogs this week – a milestone that in all reality caps a much larger journey.
Cordy joined the Bulldogs in the 2014 draft, after coming through the Bulldogs’ father-son academy.
His father, Brian, played 124 games for the club. His three uncles also pulled on the red, white and blue, as did his older brother Ayce – who was on the list when he arrived.
“Our family history has been here for a while,” Cordy told westernbulldogs.com.au this week.
“My Dad and my three uncles played here, my brother’s played here and now me – so there’s a lot of history.
“It probably adds a little bit more substance to it (the milestone). It’s a big privilege to play 100 games and hopefully there’s a few more.
“I never really thought I’d get to this position. It’s a big achievement for myself and I’ll be happy to run out there on Sunday.”
Cordy has his own piece of history in red, white and blue.
The 2016 premiership player will always be able to lay claim to kicking the Bulldogs’ first goal in that famous game.
“Luckily enough I was there just playing a role up forward, even though I hadn’t been a forward for many years,” Cordy said.
“My 11th game was in a grand final. That’s pretty special.”
Deep down though, he’s always been a defender.
Over the past five years, Cordy has established himself as a regular member of the Bulldogs’ back line and a fierce competitor.
He’s watched the group grow alongside him and is excited to be part of it.
“This year in terms of our group, it’s been one of our strongest ever,” Cordy said.
“Even when we’ve had injuries, we’ve had guys come up from the VFL, perform their roles and play really well. Altogether, we’ve gelled quite well.”
For Cordy to get the best out of himself this year, he’s had a simple mindset.
He didn’t feature in the Bulldogs’ first five games, but fought his way back into the side and hasn’t missed one since.
“I knew we had a pretty strong team, and obviously I wasn’t in the best 23 at the start of the season,” Cordy said.
“For myself, it was about working on the things ‘Bevo’ and I had talked about and to keep knocking down the door, playing well and playing my role.
“But I think for the main thing for me was just to enjoy my football. My philosophy this year has been just trying to enjoy it and have fun being around this club.”
