MIDFIELDER Shane O'Bree will have more than one reason to celebrate come the Magpies' round-one clash with the Kangaroos this Saturday.

Not only will the opening round mark the end of the pre-season – and the end of monotonous fitness drills like running laps – but O'Bree will rack up his 150th game in the black and white.

After starting his career at Brisbane in 1998, O'Bree crossed to Collingwood in 2000 and has since added 149 games to his career tally of 168.

"I'm rapt that I've notched up 150 for Collingwood," O'Bree told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"It makes round one much more exciting for me.

"You play one game, then 50, then 100 … I have relatives who played football and they played a bit over 100 games so I was just trying to beat them after that."

O'Bree still remembers his first game and said only the lead-up to the Magpies' two Grand Finals in 2002 and 2003 has been able to rival that of the week before his debut match.

"It was against the Swans at the SCG and we had a loss, but we only just got beaten and I got a few kicks, so I was happy," he said.

"I was nervous but it was a bit weird because we were at the SCG and they were all barracking for Sydney and when we ran out, we got booed heaps.

"It was probably not much different to playing for Collingwood now where we get booed every time we go interstate.

"My first game went too quick, like every game these days, they go too quick. The lead up to it was good, getting all the emails and faxes from family and friends, from previous football clubs wishing you all the best. It makes it a bit more exciting."

At the age of 28, O'Bree realises he is entering the final years of his career. And, if given the chance to turn back the clock and change the directions his playing days took, he wouldn't change a thing.

"I'm happy with the way it's all turned out. When you first originally get drafted, you just want to go to any team, and I was lucky that Brisbane picked me up," he said.

"I struggled with home sickness early and then I was just rapt to get an opportunity to come back to Melbourne, and Collingwood was the team.

"I was lucky enough to go to Collingwood, as the majority of my family members barrack for them, so it makes it a lot easier."

So what's left for O'Bree to achieve? The hurt of the two lost Grand Finals still haunts him, and he'd like to be given another chance to be a part of a premiership side.

"I’d like to win a flag, and be more consistent both as a team and personally, throughout the remainder of my career. I have a few years left yet."