Midfielder Lucas Meline is set for his 50th NEAFL appearance for Canberra this weekend when the Demons' host the Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval.
One of the club's foundation players, 21-year-old Meline says the milestone is one he is proud of.
"It’s an achievement I’m really proud of, It’s been great having the opportunity to play for this club since it’s inception in the NEAFL and I’m looking forward to sharing my 50th game with a bunch of great blokes this weekend," Meline told canberrademons.com.au
"Coming into a brand new club and being one of the founding players is a pretty rare opportunity in football.
"It’s definitely been quite humbling to be a part of, obviously with any new club you have to try and build success from scratch which is a big challenge and there definitely were some big loses early on.
"I think the club has successfully focused on getting the right people around to build a great culture and then develop success from that.
"The program has definitely taken steps forward each year and to make the preliminary final last year is the highlight of my career at Canberra so far.
"The future of this club looks bright if we keep developing our program in the direction we’re going.
Following the mid-season bye round, Canberra return to action this weekend against the Sydney Swans, and Meline recognises his milestone will run a distant second to helping the club get there season back on track.
"It’s a massive game this weekend for our season," he said.
"There is definitely a tight battle for the top six so every win from now on is crucial.
"We know Sydney are a classy side but we believe we have the ability to match it with them.
"We know our best can match it with any side so if we can string together a consistent four quarter effort we’re in with a good chance."
Canberra face the Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval in Round 12 on Saturday afternoon from 12pm.