It was a later start to his AFL career then most but Mark Baguley has made up for lost time since he was given his opportunity at AFL level.

Baguley will play his 50^th match on Saturday night in the club’s elimination final clash against North Melbourne at the MCG.

The 27-year-old said he was excited to be playing his milestone game as part of the club’s first finals campaign since 2011.

“It is very exciting to be playing finals and 50 games in the first week so it has been a long journey but it is very exciting,” Baguley said.

“I probably thought my chance was gone to play AFL but I just kept plugging way in the VFL and eventually got my chance when I got draft.”

“I got my first game then just went from there and I have been pretty solid from there.”

He made his debut back in round 16, 2012 against Port Adelaide as a 25 year old and has missed just three games since.

“It is hard to say what it is I think you just give your best each week and get a bit lucky with injury,” he said.

“Some guys are unlucky but I have been lucky so that is good.”

Despite a heavy knock in the dying stages of last weekend’s draw against Carlton Baguley will be fit to line up in the team to tackle North Melbourne.

His hardness around the contest and courage in any situation has been a hallmark of his 50 games in the red and black.

“It is something I can bring to the team, a bit of toughness and determination,” he said.

“I am not the most skillful or gifted athlete so that is what I feel like I can bring to the team.”

Baguley will share the milestone with Michael Hurley who is celebrating his 100^th match for Essendon.