29-year-old Brent Bulger will become the youngest footballer to play 200 games for the Ararat Eagles when he runs out onto Alexandra Oval on Saturday.
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Bulger becomes just the third footballer in Ararat Eagles history to achieve the milestone. He also becomes the first to come through the club’s junior ranks and go on to play 200 games.
“He has been around the club for forever and a day,” Eagles president Reagan Hughes said.
“It is a credit to him for sticking around through some tough times.”
Bulger has been one of Ararat’s most consistent players throughout his 200 game career, regularly kicking more than 20 goals a season in teams where wins were rare.
So rare are the clubs wins that Bulger has played in every senior win the club has ever had.
Bulger said his love for the club is why he has stayed at the club for 200 matches.
“I have played with a lot of people over the years and the people are why I stay,” he said.
“It means the world to me knowing I will have played 200 games for the Eagles.”
Wins have been few and far between in Bulger’s career, but he said when he played in victories the rarity of them made them even more special.
“All the wins we have had feel like a final or grand final – they are all special,” he said.
“When we won our first game in about two years a while ago I kicked five goals on my birthday, that was a pretty good moment.”
Bulger’s father Paul said it will be a “moment of pride” seeing his son run out for his 200th game and become a life member.
“Myself and Kaye (Brent’s mother) are both life members so to have Brent join us is very special,” he said.
“He would have had plenty of offers from other clubs in that time so for him to stay loyal is great.”
Bulger’s coach Scott Jackson said the milestone is well deserved.
“It is hard to find players of that quality who are committed to the club through some hard times,” he said.
“It will add to the atmosphere and hopefully spurs the boys on to win this weekend.”
Bulger said he hopes his club can keep improving.
“We are staring to see a bit more success so hopefully that keeps going,” he said.
“It’d be fantastic to get a win against Great Western on Saturday.
