On Saturday, Jack Gunston will chalk up his 200th game.
The now three-time Hawthorn premiership hero began his career in different colours, in a different state. Gunston was selected by the Adelaide Crows with Pick 29 in the 2009 National Draft. He stayed in Adelaide for two seasons, notching up 14 games, before returning to Melbourne and finding his home in the brown and gold.
From there, the journey has been something of a fairytale; four grand final appearances in the following four seasons, resulting in three premiership wins. Perhaps his most notable performance came in the 2015 decider, when he booted four goals and finished a close second in the Norm Smith Medal count.
The 2015 and 2016 seasons saw Gunston earn the title of Hawthorn's leading goal kicker, before 2017 saw him add another string to his bow by showing his wares in defence.
His maiden All Australian blazer came in 2018, following a season that saw him register 2.2 goals, 5.5 marks and 18 disposals a game.
"You sort of forget about how many games you've played, and then it sneaks up on you," Gunston reflected ahead of his milestone match.
"I remember being 73 kilos, blonde tips, nickname was Snowflake from a few of the boys at the Crows, and it was just a big whirlwind for me back then.
"It's just amazing how in time you can start to feel comfortable.
"I'm so fortunate with both clubs I've been at to learn off some of the best to play the game... (I've been able to) constantly learn, pick their brain, watch them and pick up little quirks that they do that can benefit my game.
"Having the guys around you that have been great leaders of the footy club, they don't let you drop off, they're straight onto you, and that what's makes so many of us here better players."
A true competitor, a leader, and a proud custodian of the brown and gold; the name Gunston is now synonymous with Hawthorn's recent success.
Go well, Jack!
