West Coast's
clash with North Melbourne on Sunday will be the Eagles 297th match since Sam Butler was drafted.
It will be just the veteran’s 150th career game. He has missed as many as he has played, so reaching this milestone means more to Butler than most.
"It's right up there with the premiership," Butler said.
"It will be the proudest moment of my AFL career, purely to be a life member of this football club and hopefully to repay some of the faith they have shown in me over many years."
Injuries have plagued Butler throughout his career. He has never played more than 17 games in any season. He missed the entire 2007 season and played just five games in both 2008 and 2010.
Soft tissue problems in his legs have been the major source of frustration. Butler has had to work exceptionally hard down the years to continue playing.
"It's been a long process," Butler said.
"I couldn't describe all the different things I've changed over the years. The continuity for me is a massive thing. The off-seasons are not off-seasons so much for me. I need to keep my body moving and I need to keep it strong, my leg muscles especially."