Evandale's Justin Hutton is quick to point out a support team has helped him reach 300 games for the club he loves.
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He's grateful to his wife Courtney, who he met at the club, for her support and allowing him to keep playing as they raise their kids Charlie, 6, and Elisse, 4.
And he has great appreciation for the Eagles' volunteers who quietly go about their business.
"A close mate I used to play a lot of footy with, he and I used to say 'we get the easy job', we come out and train, play footy, have a beer in the changerooms.
"Look at these guys here (volunteers), they're still working here sweeping the sheds and I'm here getting a bloody interview.
"They don't get too many accolades so I'm always mindful of that. They're good friends as well."
Family, friends, volunteers and fans will be cheering for Hutton when the Eagles' senior side takes on East Coast at Morven Park on Saturday in NTFA division one.
The humble Hutton, a half-back flanker, wouldn't let you know it but he's among the most respected figures at the club.
President Pat Davey labelled him "one of the best stalwarts this footy club has ever seen".
"He's very courageous and puts his body on the line all the time," he said.
"He's very supportive of his teammates and any of the young blokes, if it looks like they're going to get into trouble. He's straight over and protecting them and looking after the kids. He's a great clubman and it's been honor to have him here."
Davey also spoke of current senior players who had aspired to play alongside Hutton when they were younger.
Coach James Conroy echoed that sentiment.
"From my first game, he's been one to look up to and nothing's changed," he said.
Conroy spoke of the former captain's leadership.
"(I admire) his courage, not just on the field, but he's also pretty courageous with the conversations he has off the field," he said.
"He's very honest as a player and person and the skill that goes with it - it's a really good mix to have."
Hutton said his debut season was in 2002 when he was 17. He has since played in two senior grand finals in 2012 and 2018.
He has won four senior best and fairests and been runner-up many times.
The reliable defender was also named back-pocket in the NTFA division one team of the decade for 2011-2020 and has featured in the NTFA team of the year on numerous occasions.
Hutton explained stalwart Michael Rigby originally got him to the club.
The 36-year-old said he often reflected on the fact he had basically grown up at Morven Park.
"It's given me a bit of a release out here with training," he said.
"Training drags on some weeks but I have walked out to training miserable and generally walk off the track pretty happy.
"It's healthy for the body and mind, let alone all the shindigs we have out here that goes with footy."
Hutton captained for the senior side for about six years, including being co-skipper with close mate, Jason Bennett.
The Eagles will look to tidy up in a few areas after their 51-point loss to St Pats in the opening round.
"Just cleaning up our inside-50s, we were very inefficient and then keeping our pressure up four quarters, rather than just that half," Conroy said.
The Eagles, like all teams, are managing the COVID situation.
"We've had a lot of ins and outs with COVID, we'll probably get close to our best team after Easter," the coach said.
In other division one matches, Lilydale and Old Scotch will battle at Lilydale in the Keian Brown Memorial Match.
Meander Valley and Perth meet at Westbury Recreation Ground while UTAS and St Pats will duel at University Oval.
Old Launcestonians have the bye.
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