With the 2023 AFL season upon us, we take a look at this season's potential milestones.
200 games – Dylan Shiel (199), Zach Merrett (184)
Dylan Shiel will play his milestone double century during our Round 1 clash against Hawthorn. Running out through the banner with his first-born daughter who arrived in October of 2022.
Shiel began his career as a foundation player of Greater Western Sydney where he played 135 games, before moving across the mighty red and black in 2018.
After his first year at Essendon, Shiel came runner up for the Chricton Medal in 2019, demonstrating his reliability and strength through the midfield.
If Zach Merrett can have an uninterrupted season, he's also on track to hit 200 matches against Port Adelaide in Round 16, which will make him the 26th Bomber in history to register a double-century of games.
150 games - Darcy Parish (132), Jake Kelly (131)
After an interrupted season last year, Darcy Parish is set to play his 150th match. After registering a breakout year in 2021, Parish is entering the prime of his career, and will meet his milestone game against Geelong in round 18.
After six seasons at the Crows, defender Jake Kelly made a strong impression in his first year in the red and black, playing 21 games. The defender is set to hit his milestone 150th game in round 19 against the Western Bulldogs.
100 games – Jayden Laverde (91), Matt Guelfi (83), Mason Redman (80)
Jayden Laverde is due to reach the century when the Bombers face Brisbane in Round nine. Laverde earned the McCracken Medal in 2021, and had a stand out season last year after returning from injury.
Utility Matt Guelfi is on track to reach his milestone match during round 17 against Adelaide.
Daring defender Mason Redman will also meet his century milestone this season if all stars align, taking on Sydney in Round 20.
50 games – Sam Draper (43), Archie Perkins (39), Jye Caldwell (34), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (29)
Four Bombers are on track for their half-centuries in 2023. Star ruckman Sam Draper will hit 50 games during round seven against Geelong. The 24-year old played 22 games last season, solidifying himself as an essential player week in week out.
Archie Perkins is set to make 50 games in just his third season at the Bombers. Perkins wasted no time in his draft year, playing 20 games in 2021, followed by 19 games last season.
Perkins is set to meet his milestone in round 11 against West Coast at Optus Stadium.
Jye Caldwell, like Dylan Shiel, moved across from GWS after playing 11 games during his draft year. The young midfielder has established himself in the red and black after 34 AFL games, and will make 50 games during Round 16 against Port Adelaide.
If defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher can have an uninterrupted season, he will play his 50th match in round 21 against West Coast.
