LONG-SERVING Fremantle recruiting boss Phil Smart doesn't take much credit for drafting David Mundy, but he does feel plenty of satisfaction seeing the Dockers champion reach the 300-game milestone. 

Almost 16 years have passed, but Smart vividly recalls the push from Melbourne-based recruiters Wayne Hughes, Shane Rogers and Noel Bosch to take a chance on the reserved Murray Bushrangers defender after a strong showing in the national under-18s carnival.  

At the time, there were questions exactly where the loping 193cm youngster would fit in the AFL system, and whether he would ever have the agility to make it as a top-flight midfielder. 

But Smart didn't need much convincing and the decision to use pick 19 – received from this Saturday night's opponents the Western Bulldogs in a trade for Steven Koops in 2003 – has been repaid in spades.  

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"It's very satisfying," Smart, who was with the Dockers from their inception until 2009, told AFL.com.au.  

"To see him get to 300 games, and to recruit a young Victorian boy back then and for him to hang around and not leave – which he could have done a number of times I'm sure – and stay loyal to the club is a fantastic thing.  

"As a defender, nobody really kicked any goals on him as a kid.

"He ran and carried the ball, he was a bit of a long-strider, which you always think 'oh, geez, can he play midfield? Can he turn?' but that evolved and he ended up turning into an elite midfielder. 

"He deserves all the accolades he gets." 

The plaudits have come thick and fast this week for Mundy, who has never sought the spotlight and has been overwhelmed by the attention. 

But becoming just the second WA-based AFL player to make 300 appearances, joining Freo legend Matthew Pavlich, is a phenomenal achievement and Mundy takes great personal pride in reaching the landmark in vintage form. 

Just two weeks ago, the evergreen veteran collected 36 disposals and won 10 clearances in a ferocious Western Derby, jostling with West Coast captain Shannon Hurn for best afield honours.  

Barring injury, which Mundy has avoided almost entirely since his debut campaign in 2005, a contract extension for 2020 seems a formality.

Which begs the question: could he eclipse Pavlich's record 353 appearances?

"It's not out of the realms of possibility that he goes past Matthew Pavlich given his durability over that time, and I do think the new rules have served him well," former Freo champion Paul Hasleby said. 

"He's that big-bodied midfielder and with that extra bit of space around the contest to navigate his way through, he's been brilliant back in the centre bounces this year.  

"His flexibility is what makes him such a remarkable player. He started as a half-back, so he can go back there, he's such a good decision maker and distributor of the footy.

"But also in the forward line, I was rapt to see him last year evolve as a forward.

"He was very good at leading up and is a very good inside 50 kick, which I believe is the No.1 skill required for successful teams.

"He's shown that he can do it in all parts of the ground."

Three months shy of his 34th birthday, it is a testament to his diligence and professionalism that Mundy is showing no signs of slowing down, despite the toll of crossing the country for 134 interstate games.

During his media conference on Monday – when sons Finn and Hudson ran amok and almost tested his unflappable nature - Mundy revealed how much he still relished the grind and those gruelling pre-season sessions with his "brothers".

Given his form and importance as a role model for younger teammates, it's not inconceivable Mundy emulates another silky-smooth veteran - 36-year-old Hawk Shaun Burgoyne who sits on 360 appearances.

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"You look at players like Shaun Burgoyne playing at his age, although Shaun's injured, and David has potentially got the same opportunity ahead of him," Mundy's manager Anthony McConville said.

"David's pretty keen to go on and it's down to whether his body will allow him to do so.  

"At this point of time I wouldn't have thought there would be any issues with David playing into 2020 for sure.

"It's been an unbelievable career and he's just a terrific person - that just makes it (300 games) more special.

"He is very humble, and it's just fantastic to see a guy reach a milestone like that through all the hard work."

An All Australian, Doig medallist (he finished runner-up for a third time last year) and captain for a season in 2016, Mundy has experienced almost everything the game has to offer.

He has felt the elation of kicking the match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in 2017 and despair of a blown Grand Final in 2013, taking the highs and the lows in his stride.

The major accolade eluding the Dockers star has been a premiership medallion, and team success has always been his greatest desire. 

But regardless of what else his football journey holds, there is no doubt Mundy's selflessness and dedication will leave a lasting legacy at Fremantle. 

"I think he's completely underrated by a lot of people in the AFL," said former teammate Shaun McManus, who Mundy counted as one of the biggest influences on his career. 

"To get to 300 games is an unbelievable effort when you've got to travel every second week.

"If people don't recognise him with the so-called bigger names from the east coast that's fine, that wouldn't worry him for a second. 

"But in my eyes he's an absolute star. 

"Pav's proven to be our greatest player and I would say Dave would have to be a closing second, definitely."

David Mundy presented with life membership by Richard Goyder