WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Jason Akermanis has not ruled out pushing his career tally well beyond 300 games as he continues to toy with the idea of playing next year.

Akermanis, who will reach the milestone against Geelong on Friday night, says if the Bulldogs wanted him to play on in 2010 he would consider it.

"Never say never. When you get over 30, any year can be your last," Akermanis said on Tuesday.

"In the end, it's generally a decision that's made for you by the powers that be. Every player gets judged the same way.

"It doesn't matter your age: [it's] what are you going to give to the group, and is there a guy now in the list that is going to be able to take over that role?

"Last year I was getting that feeling it may have been my last [this year], and I was just being realistic."

Akermanis said he loved the club, his teammates and playing for Eade and hadn't put any pressure on his coach to make a call on his future.

"If he doesn't come to me, I don't care," he said. "I'll just continue with the decision and move onto the next phase. It's going to happen sooner or later and I'm planning for it anyway, so nothing has changed."

Akermanis said good genes and an avoidance of serious injuries had contributed to his longevity.

He added that his move to the Bulldogs at the end of 2006, a change in physiotherapist and greater playing weight had saved his career.

"When I first came here, my body was in a bad way and it took a little bit to get it right and unfortunately I had to get it right during the footy season," he said.

"As the journey's gone on here, it's got nothing to do with your birth certificate. It's about getting better and learning your lessons.

"Last year I played a bit heavy and struggled to run at the end of the year, and this year I said I need to be at this weight to help me run. We're seeing that defensive side now which is really complementing the offence."

The Brownlow Medallist and Brisbane Lions triple premiership player said he was honoured to reach 300 games, a mark achieved by just 58 other players.

"It's a lot of games, a lot of years, a lot of weeks – 14-and-a-half years it's taken me to get this far," he said.

"You can't believe it in some ways but I'm also immensely proud I've been able to do something right to get this far.

"You get the opportunity and you've got to take it. I was fortunate enough to be in a good era with my past club, and then still be able to play this deep into my career at 32 and get another opportunity under Rodney."

Eade, who again supported Akermanis' prospects, said one of the flamboyant forward's best qualities was his desire to educate the club's younger players.

"Yesterday we had an opposition meeting and his thoughts were really succinct and applicable, and players appreciate that and the one-on-ones with him at times," he said.

"You'd be silly not to use his knowledge. I can't believe some players who are 30, 32 and played 200 games that don't impart their knowledge."