John Barnes' body is tired. It has given him great service since he made his debut for the Bombers way back in 1987 but the wear and tear of playing in football's toughest position has taken its toll. This weekend Barnesy runs out for his 200th game. And how many more does the big fellow think he has left in him. ""If the finals pan out perfectly then three more games will see me out,"" Barnes says. ""I would love to go out on a high and if we happen to win the thing I'll walk away from football a very happy man."" It is hard to imagine John Banres anything but happy but it has been a career full of ups and downs.

""There were times when 200 games of AFL footy was the last thing on my mind,"" Barnes said. ""I've dug a bit of a hole for myself at times but that is just me. Some people like it, some don't. It doesn't really bother me - what you see is what you get,"" Barnes said.

Love him or hate him the one thing you can be certain of when it comes to John Barnes is that he gives 100% every time he runs out. ""I have had a few injuries this season and I haven't had as good a season as last year,"" Barnes said. ""But I have just tried to make sure I have made some sort of contribution when I'm out there. That is something I have to make sure I do in the coming weeks.""

The Essendon ruck division has been the subject of some criticism by those trying to pick holes in the Bombers and find reasons why they can't win back-to-back premierships. No matter which way the ""experts"" look at it, the Bombers are going into this finals' campaign with two premiership ruckman in Barnes and Steven Alessio.

""That gives us a bit of confidence. We have been there and done it,"" Barnes said. ""I couldn't care less what they think. Big Ses has played some very good football since coming back from injury - they must not have been watching.""

And we all know what Barnesy is capable of - hopefully he will strike prime form at the right time. The ocassion of his 200th might just pump him up. So keep an eye on the him this weekend as he puts himself through another two hours of punishment in the ruck. One thing you can be certain of post-match is that he will be wrapped in a blanket with his legs covered in ice - exhausted from the battle.