To play football at a high level you must have strength and dedication, but to go around for nearly 20 years you need passion and a love for the game.
That is something Paul Arandt has in abundance.
On Saturday at Avenel Recreation Reserve, one of the Swans’ players will spread their wings for the 300th time and become the first player to do so for the club in the round 14 clash against Undera.
Arandt, known as ‘’Subba’’ around the club, has been a mainstay of Avenel’s senior side since he made his debut in 2005.
As the day of his milestone achievement approaches Arandt reflects on his playing career with the Swans.
“I think other people are more excited about it than me.” Arandt humbly said.
“Playing in the grand final in 2016 against Nagambie (even though) they beat us, we were six goals up at half-time and they came over the top of us.
“It’s just a good club, good people around there, we probably haven’t had quite the amount of success that we’d hoped for, but, yeah, it’s just a good club.”
Having lived at Tallarook his entire life there has only been one club for Arandt and he says he can still remember his first appearance like it was yesterday.
In his near two-decade span at the Swans Arandt has done it all.
The towering and skilful ruckman spent time as senior captain, claimed multiple best-and-fairest titles and represented Kyabram District League in interleague games.
However, the accolades are not why Arandt keeps playing, it’s the people at the club that keep him looking forward to playing each week.
“Over the time players come and go and that, but it’s always enjoyable with different playing groups and making new friends,” he said.
“This year we have had a younger playing group than the last couple of years, so it’s just changed things around a bit, it’s reinvigorated me a bit hanging round with younger people.
“I don’t know about 400 (games), but, yeah, I’m going to play next year and we’ll see what happens.”
Avenel president Joe Pollock was full of praise for Arandt and his achievements.
“Paul has been a prominent figure in the sporting ranks throughout the Seymour area, whether that be in football or cricket,” Pollock said.
“Loyalty and longevity in country footy nowadays is getting (to be a) rarer and rarer feat to witness, we feel this is a milestone well and truly worth celebrating and have a big day planned at the club.”
To celebrate the occasion, a marquee will be raised on the hill at the ground for all those wanting to wish Arandt well — tickets are $50, which includes entrance to the game, lunch and refreshments.
With Seymour having a bye in Goulburn Valley League this weekend, Avenel is hoping a big crowd will turn out to support one of the club’s most loyal, durable and fierce players.