AHEAD of his 250th game, Western Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris has no doubts he can play on in 2019 despite injury plaguing him over the past two seasons.
Since the Dogs lifted the 2016 premiership cup, Morris, 36 in December, has succumbed to a broken leg, a broken arm, a partial ACL tear, and he also played in the Grand Final with a broken back.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, the veteran hasn't ruled out playing beyond next season.
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"I'm never one to put a cap on my career, I'll keep going as long as I can, as long as there is a role for me to play," Morris said.
"As long as I hold up physically and mentally, but physically the body has copped a bit of a battering.
"I've been able to bounce back every time.
"I'll keep going for as long as I can, it's too good not to. It's the best job."
Coach Luke Beveridge wants Morris to go on for a 15th AFL season, and the two are in constant discussions on how that arrangement would work, but a new contract is just a formality.
With the premiership mentor demanding versatility from his charges, Morris is a dream resource due to his ability to play tall or small.
"The one thing I love about 'Bevo' is his honesty, because when you sit down and talk to him you know exactly where you stand," Morris said.
"When things change, whenever that is, I've told him to be open and honest and I'll do the same."
Morris caught the eye of Bulldogs recruiting staff back in 2004 playing for Werribee, the club’s VFL affiliate at the time.
He then won the admiration of the red, white and blue faithful in round five of the following season when, debuting as a 22-year-old, he restricted duel Norm Smith medallist Andrew McLeod to just eight disposals and a goal as the Dogs beat Adelaide.
While he's earned a reputation since for his toughness and resilience, a teammate cheekily reminded him this week he'll be remembered for breaking the record for becoming the oldest player to reach the 250 mark when he lines up against North Melbourne on Sunday.
"’Jacko’ Macrae was quick to tell me I'm the oldest person to reach the 250 milestone," Morris laughed.
"I thought I was lucky to play one game, and now I'm approaching my 250th, so it's pretty crazy, a bit surreal.
"I'm just rapt to repay the club 250 times."
For a player widely respected, incredibly hard to play against and with an All Australian jacket in the wardrobe, Morris remarkably only has one Brownlow Medal vote from his first 249 matches.
The game in question was in round 3, 2008 when the Dogs reeled in a six-goal deficit against St Kilda to run out 38-point winners.
Former teammates Ryan Griffen (25 disposals, three goals) and Adam Cooney (28 disposals, two goals) were awarded three and two votes respectively, while Morris earned a vote for his 11 touches, two tackles and a trademark 10 one-percenters.
Like his prospects of playing on next year, Morris isn't ruling out giving his only vote some long overdue company, and the task will be made all the easier that former teammate and 'twin' Matthew Boyd is retired.
"I'm happy with one (vote), but you never know," Morris joked.
"Now that "Boydy" is not playing (the umpires) won't get us confused.
"I might have to butter up the umpires a bit and see how we go."
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