David Myers is set to play his 100th game ten seasons after making his AFL debut.
The Bombers midfielder has been named in the side to take on Sydney in an Elimination Final on Saturday.
Recruited from WAFL side Perth in the 2007 National Draft, Myers made his debut in round seven of the 2008 season.
He played eight straight games in that first season, a run of continuity he wouldn’t see again until 2013 as soft tissue injuries took hold.
But at his best, Myers is a key component of the Bombers midfield with his contested ball winning, clearance work and long kicking noticeable assets.
He hardly missed a game in 2013 and 2014 as the side qualified for the finals in both years.
Myers then played just two games in two years and even endured a finger tendon injury on the eve of the 2017 season.
But he’s registered 14 games this year, including the last eight in a row, and on Saturday he will line up for his 100th game.
“There obviously hasn’t been a lot of continuity but this year has been a credit to him – to get his body right and back playing and really contributing to us playing in the finals,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.
“To have his 100th game in a final for the footy club is wonderful recognition for him.
“He’s had to work harder and be more diligent than a lot of players who don’t have those issues with the injuries, but he is a great leader, a really popular guy in the team and plays a really important role for us.”
Myers has played in two finals throughout his career and will be looking to register his first finals win against Sydney.
The Bombers fell narrowly short against the Swans earlier this season – a match Myers missed – but enter this clash on the back of six wins in their last eight matches.
“It’s obviously been an extended build up and one that a lot of planning has gone into so our preparation has been full on in terms of getting everything right – the amount of training into the players,” Worsfold said.
“We’re ready to go, we’re excited about it but we’re also really focused.”
