IN A ROUND in which records will be set that will likely never be broken, you could be forgiven for overlooking some of the less credentialled milestones to tick over this weekend.

Kangaroo Brent Harvey's AFL record 427 games is a superhuman effort, and a club-best 350th match underlines Docker Matthew Pavlich's greatness, while the accomplishments of Geelong pair Corey Enright (club-record 326 matches) and Jimmy Bartel (300 games) enhance their lofty standings at Simonds Stadium.

When the three-time premiership Cats run out on to a packed and adoring Simonds Stadium on Friday night, another milestone man will emerge from the visitors' race with far less fanfare.

But 100-gamer Easton Wood wouldn't have it any other way.

'My achievement will probably get a bit lost with Corey breaking the Geelong games record and Jimmy playing his 300th," Wood told AFL.com.au.

 "I'm not too fussed, because flying under the radar is just how I like it."

After an inauspicious start to his AFL career, Wood is anything but low profile these days as an All Australian defender and acting captain of the finals-bound Western Bulldogs.

Injuries and self-doubt delayed his rise to prominence, but overcoming those obstacles have made him who he is today.

"It's certainly been an interesting journey with its ups and downs, but I'm really proud to notch up the milestone," he said.

"There were plenty of doubts and plenty of times when I thought the writing was on the wall and it could be all over, but I guess every player faces that sometime during their career.

"Those problems go a long way to shaping who you are, toughing you up and making you a better player."

Easton Wood at the 2015 AA awards, with teammates Jake Stringer and Bob Murphy. Picture: AFL Media

After arriving at Whitten Oval with pick 43 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, it took Wood more than four seasons and 34 games to realise he was going to be a long-term league footballer.

The fateful day against Collingwood in round six, 2012 netted the Geelong Grammar product a then career-high 19 possessions, a rare goal and plenty of perspective.  

"I had a real impact on the game, but unfortunately at the end of the match I did my hamstring," he recalled.

"It was a double-edged sword because that game showed I belonged at that level, but it also displayed how fragile it is and that I needed to take care of my body and get those injuries right.

"Once the injuries subsided I've been able to play much more consistent and impactful footy."

With his hamstrings not giving him as much trouble as they used to, it has allowed the 26-year-old to evolve into one of the game's best counter-attacking defenders.

Bulldog great Doug Hawkins was renowned for his ability to read the play as wingman in his day, but admits he never foresaw Wood becoming the match-winner that he is.

"It's just been amazing to watch him grow as a player, because the improvement he's shown in the past 18 months has been enormous," Hawkins told AFL.com.au.

"His ability to read the play, take contested marks in defensive 50, use the ball well while giving the side plenty of run has been terrific.

"He was more an athlete than a footballer when he started, but now he's a brilliant footballer who's very athletic.

"Did I see if coming? Probably not, but he's really put his foot on the accelerator."

As a former skipper of the club, Hawkins applauds the faith shown in the relatively inexperienced vice-captain when Bob Murphy succumbed to a season-ending knee injury in round three.

"Luke Beveridge could have easily gone back to Matty Boyd or even Dale Morris, but to go with Easton just shows how highly the football club rates him," Hawkins said.

"He's taken his footy to another level with the responsibility of the captaincy.

"Easton just oozes leadership qualities."

While he's taken time to find his feet as the leader of the Bulldog pack, Wood will be forever grateful for the guidance Murphy has shown him, and he said he "hangs off every word" the much-loved figure speaks.

Honesty and trusting your instincts are two hallmarks of Murphy's leadership that Wood has adopted, and he will be imploring his young Dogs' side to exhibit those traits when they attempt to regain a top-four spot against the Cats.

"I never expected to be captain this year until Bob went down, but it's a role I've really loved and am lucky to have," Wood said.

"To lead the boys out is always really special, but with it being such a big game and milestone for myself, I'm going to look back on it with a lot of happiness."