Perhaps Geelong’s all-conquering 2007 season ticked off a couple of ‘must dos’ on the versatile defender’s career wish-list.
After achieving that much-craved club premiership and an All-Australian medal for the trophy cabinet, Milburn, the oldest player on the Geelong list, could be excused for putting on his slippers, grabbing his pipe and finding a comfy chair at Skilled Stadium.
However at 30 years of age – Milburn will turn 31 in April – the man known as ‘Dasher’ showed in 2007 he might just be entering a phase of career-best form.
Or can the Cats’ most experienced player see the end after 213 senior matches in the blue and white hoops?
“I can probably see it in sight,” he told gfc.com.au.
“I’ve just signed a two-year deal … the body could pack up in a couple of months, so who knows?
“Injuries play a big role and I guess form and that, too, so it’s hard to say [how long I’ll play for]. I’d definitely like to play out these two years of my contract and see how we go [from there].”
While Cats fans need not worry about Milburn’s future for at least the next two seasons, the smart money would have to be on him playing on and on and, well, on – if recent history is anything to go by.
Milburn has not missed a match since round 1 of the 2005 AFL season, and has missed just five matches in the past five years – pretty impressive stuff for a guy who prides himself on doing the tough stuff.
His importance was underlined in a couple of Geelong's finals, with his ability to play tall – in the absence of All-Australian centre-half back Matthew Egan – a key to the Cats’ backline success.
Geelong fans have become accustomed to seeing the wiry No.39 cut off opposition forward thrusts, his safe hands and sure ball a trademark and ultimately leading to him earning deserved All-Australian honours in 2007.
But this is the time of year when Milburn lays his groundwork for the season ahead.
“I’m still expected to do everything,” he said.
“I’m one of these players who likes to get out there and do it.
“I don’t try to take too much time off, I just try to get out there and do everything.”
As for a possible NAB Cup start, the popular Cat was unsure what route coach Mark Thompson and his assistants would go down in 2008.
In past years, the Cats have launched all-out assaults on the pre-season competition although after last year’s success Milburn wasn’t so sure what approach the club would take.
“I’d say they will play a few younger players, I’m not sure how they’re going to work it,” he said.
“We’ve probably played our best sides over the last couple of years and gone pretty well in it, so yeah it’ll be interesting to see what the coach and the coaching staff come up with.”
