But don’t expect Pomona Demons stalwart Bill Magin to start talking about retirement any time soon.
Magin’s career games tally provides some perspective on what an extraordinary achievement it was for Michael Tuck to chalk up 426 outings at the highest level.
It also reflects a lifelong love affair with the game that will continue for a good while yet.
"I love it mate. I won’t give up until I can’t physically run out there any more,” Magin said.
"I like playing footy when I’m getting kicks and as long as I can do that, I’ll keep going ... with .
"I know now it’s getting towards time to give up senior footy, because I’m running around against 18-year-olds. It’s just not fair, really.
”But with Super Rules I reckon I could play another 10 years.”
Magin’s footballing odyssey has taken in stops at Noosa, Cairns, Darwin, Perth and the Barossa Valley, after starting with Seaford in Melbourne.
The father of six has been at Pomona since 1983 and, not surprisingly, he’s got some stories to tell.
One of the more unusual includes an all-in spot of old-school fisticuffs spilling into the jungle that borders Pomona Oval, and culminating in a teammate “shouting” two cartons of beer at game’s end -- a fairly bizarre chain of events.
The story he’d most like to be able to tell, however, is that of a maiden senior premiership for the Demons.
"I’ve had a lot of luck with premierships – but not at this particular club,” Magin said.
"That would really be the swan song. If I could win a premiership here I could walk away and really be content.
"I’ve played in three losing grand finals here, including last year. I’ve played in six premierships at other clubs and I really hope I can add another one before I do eventually hang up the boots.”
Even if he can’t help Pomona to an inaugural flag, Magin and his family will hold a unique place in club history.
Earlier this year, his son Rhys Magin became the first Demons product on an AFL list when Essendon took him with the fifth pick of the rookie draft.
Bill, a third-generation Bombers fan, was naturally delighted and is optimistic twins Alik and Lanze (17) can join their older brother in the big league.
Alik is currently playing for the Brisbane Lions’ reserves team, the Suncoast Lions, in the AFLQ competition.
"A lot of people have asked me how proud I am, but it’s really actually really hard to explain how good it feels,” Bill said of Rhys’ success.
"Even if he doesn’t end up becoming a star, it’s a great reward for all the hard work he’s put in.
"I think his twin brothers are good enough to play AFL as well – but to get there you need to have a lot of luck along the way.
"If they don’t end up making that elite level, it’s been great to have us all together here playing local footy.”
At Pomona, Bill has turned out alongside eldest son Michael (30), along with Blake (23), Rhys (19), Alik and Lanze. Daughter Lainee (21) was in the crowd for the weekend’s home clash with Nambour.
With a bit of good fortune and continued fitness, Bill is hopeful he can hold on and play a game or two with step-son Evan (10).
"He’s down in Tassie at the moment. He rang me up the other day and he’d just played his first game of footy for his school,” he said.
"You never know. I might get down there for a game yet.”
