TODAY’s match against Woodville-West Torrens is a significant milestone for Port Adelaide contracted player Jace Bode – his 200th career game.
Bode joined the Magpies this season from Norwood, and he admitted he was resigned to the fact he wouldn’t get that SANFL life membership.
“A hundred per cent didn't think that it was going to be something that I was going to be able to achieve obviously finishing at Norwood at the end of 2019, I passed the idea of playing 200,” he said.
“I know we don't play for personal milestones, but obviously, it's a significant one given the life membership you get for the SANFL and it's something I'm incredibly proud of the career that started with my first game in 2005.
“It's been a long time coming.”
Bode said the SANFL competition means a lot to him, having been involved for nearly two decades.
“It's been huge part of my life, think about 16 years essentially dedicating yourself to high level football. That's over half my life,” he said.
“It means a lot and I've been really fortunate to have three different experiences and three great experiences at Sturt as a junior, to captain Norwood and to finally wear the prison bars, it's been really special, and I wouldn't change anything.
The milestone man said his experience at Alberton Oval this year with the Magpies has been incredible.
“It's been incredible,” he said
“What you always do as an outsider is respect that football club and I’m now privileged enough to wear that guernsey and play for Port.
“I'm forever indebted to the football club for giving me the opportunity and hopefully continue to contribute when I can play and push towards playing some finals footy.”
Bode is expecting a challenge in today’s match with the Eagles but left the true believers with a positive message.
“What the Port faithful know is that every time we go out, we put our best foot forward and give 100 per cent effort, we played really well against the Eagles last time and want to go in with the same mindset,” he said.
