WHEN you're de-listed after two seasons on a rookie list without playing one senior game, it's unlikely you'd even dream about reaching the 200-mark.

Joel Patfull certainly didn't.

Two unsuccessful years with Port Adelaide under Mark Williams saw the now Greater Western Sydney defender on the AFL scrapheap, unable to break onto the senior list when the Power were minor premiers two years running, and won their inaugural flag in 2004.

By his own admission, the 31-year-old hadn't applied himself to the level required to make it at Port, but a standout season in the SANFL with Norwood in 2005 got the interest of the Brisbane Lions, and earned Patfull a rare second opportunity.

Patfull went on to spend nine seasons at the Lions and won two club champion awards, and says the lessons learned from his axing at the Power, coupled with a settled spot in Brisbane's backline under club legend Michael Voss, transformed his career.

"I probably played a different sort of role (at the Lions), I was able to intercept mark and get a bit more of the footy and be a bit more attacking," he said.

"Early in my career I was a bit forward and a bit back and an in-between player.

"I got settled and played mainly down back and could use that ability to mark and play some good footy."

GWS forwards coach and good mate Amon Buchanan played alongside Patfull in Brisbane, and told AFL.com.au that the pair of Merrett-Murray medals Patfull won at the Lions were just reward for the dependable backman.

"I was rapt for 'Joely' to win those best and fairest awards, and it just shows how important he was during that period and just how valued he was by the coaches and his teammates in just getting a job done every week," he said.

"He would play on (Travis) Cloke one week and Stevie Milne the next, so he's such a versatile player.

"During his career he hasn't been one of those players that has been heralded like a midfielder who racks up the possessions, but he's a guy who the players trust to get the job done.

"He's just one of the those characters that isn't high-maintenance, he's a hard worker and just goes about his business, so to play 200 is a fantastic achievement and testament to his character."

Just a year after winning his second best and fairest in Brisbane, Patfull's footy journey took yet another turn when he was traded to the Giants, and his time in Sydney has presented its challenges.

His experience in defence was vital for GWS early last season until he suffered a punctured lung and cracked ribs from an accidental clash with teammate Matt Buntine in round 11 against Collingwood.

It was the same game, GWS lost Shane Mumford for the season and co-captain Phil Davis for an extended period, the start of a string of significant injuries that virtually ended their finals hopes.

Patfull made it back to play 16 games in 2015, but the off-season wasn't kind; a broken collarbone following a motorcycle crash in Bali, plus a bruised heel, ruined his pre-Christmas training and meant his season started in the NEAFL.

Patfull was prepared for an extended stint in the reserves, but his season was revived after a serious ankle injury to teenager Caleb Marchbank saw him return in round three against the Sydney Swans.

The further loss of Aidan Corr (ankle) last week places even more importance on the milestone man starting with Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide in Canberra, as Patfull fittingly runs out for game 200 against his original club.

"I was hoping it was only going to be a couple (of games in the NEAFL) but the guys who were playing senior footy were doing a really good job," Patfull said.

"If they were all fit and playing well, then I probably would have been there a while.

"Unfortunately a few guys have gone down and it's opened up a spot for me, so I've been lucky enough to sneak back in there.

"A lot of guys probably wouldn't think about getting to 200, so I'm really proud to get there."