HAVING been stuck on 90 AFL games for two years there were times Port Adelaide defender Michael Pettigrew doubted he'd ever reach the elusive 100-game milestone.
Petters Hits 100
Pettigrew made an encouraging start to his career after being drafted by the Power with pick No. 46 in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft.
The 193cm utility played 31 games in his first three years at Alberton, showing promise as both a marking forward and shut-down defender.
In 2006, he endeared himself to the Port Adelaide faithful, kicking three late goals to help the club over the line against the Western Bulldogs in round 19.
After the game it was revealed Pettigrew, who was scheduled to have a shoulder reconstruction, wasn't meant to play against the Bulldogs and had only been permitted to make one last appearance for the season because his surgeon was on holiday.
A week later he had surgery on his shoulder and both shins, and was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks.
Pettigrew made a permanent move into defence the following year.
The versatile backman had the athleticism to play on either tall or small forwards, and was the ideal match up for skilful mid-sized goalkickers, like Sydney Swans star Michael O'Loughlin and Adelaide livewire Brett Burton.
He became a regular in the Port Adelaide team over the course of 2007 and 2008, playing 45 of a possible 47 games.
He also played the first 13 games of 2009, but battled hamstring tendonitis and his form dipped as a result of the chronic injury.
He went back to SANFL club West Adelaide for three weeks before calling a premature end to his season on 90 games.
Pettigrew recovered from the hamstring complaint in time to start pre-season training, but it wasn't long before he suffered another injury.
"I injured my patella during the 2010 pre-season," Pettigrew told afl.com.au.
"I'd already missed a lot of footy, so I put the operation off and tried to play with it.
"Unfortunately, by halfway through the season I had to have the operation.
"I just couldn't keep going."
Pettigrew fought his way back once again and was rewarded with selection for the club's clash with Richmond in round 22 last season.
The speedy defender enjoyed a rare injury-free pre-season, but experienced more disappointment when he was left out of the team to play Collingwood in round one.
He was named as an emergency for three straight weeks before breaking into the team against Adelaide in round four.
He's played all seven games since - his most in succession since 2009 - and will reach the long-awaited 100-game milestone against West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
Online Game Day: News, Chat & More
"It's taken a long time to get the next 10, to get off 90 [games] and finally reach the 100-game milestone," Pettigrew said.
"It's been a real challenge. I've had a lot of injuries and poor form to go along with that. It's been a long couple of years, but hopefully it's all behind me now."
If there's an upside to the fact it's taken Pettigrew eight years to play 100 games, it's that he gets to celebrate the milestone in his native Western Australia.
"It's worked out perfectly," he said.
"A lot of people, who probably couldn't have made the trip over if the game was in Adelaide or anywhere else, can actually come along.
"I've got my immediate family coming to the game, my in-laws and a few school friends, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Pettigrew, who showcased his flexibility by playing on Carlton skipper Chris Judd when he pushed forward last weekend, is out of contract at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old said he was determined to retain his spot in the team, and repay the club for the patience it had showed during his tough run with injury.
"When you're not playing it always go through your head that you might be [delisted], but the club's been good to me," he said.
"I've never given up and they've showed faith in me. It's a pretty cut-throat business, but I'm playing now and I've got the second half of the year to try and stay in the team now."
Katrina Gill covers Port Adelaide news for afl.com.au. Follow her on Twitter: @AFL_KatrinaGill
