Frank Bright looks back as he plays his 400th AFL match this weekend

Frank Bright will play his 400th game for the Cowra Blues this weekend. Photo: Phil Blatch


When Cowra Blues vice-captain Frank Bright runs out for his 400th game this weekend, he will do so having dodged the surest signs of football age.

"I've tweaked my hammy more in the last two years than I have in the 28 years before," the veteran said.

"Fingers crossed it doesn't happen on the weekend."

However, nevertheless, the veteran, who has been sparkling form for the Cowra Blues this year, is just as concerned with what his milestone means as part of the broader club history than it does regarding his own name.

"I know it doesn't come around very often... [but] I think to have two blokes from the one club at 400 games is probably even more extraordinary to be honest," Bright said, the other player being current club secretary Geoff Day.

"For me, my family [and] a few of the old-school Cowra Blues, it's going to be an emotional day."

His footy CV speaks for itself. A six time best-and-fairest winner of the Geoff Day Medal, and multiple premiership winner who has played 30 years of Australian Rules football, he acknowledges his involvement in several grand finals will stick in his memory.

"[They] are always the stand out... that's why you play football," Bright said, but noted the personal satisfaction of being able to play while his wife and children are involved in the game is rewarding.

"The position I'm in right now, I can still play football, and my kids are playing football and my wife's involved in football... that's the most pleasing thing."

Bright said key to his longevity in the game has been his ability to remain positive regardless of the obstacles.

"I've had everything said about me - the good the bad the worst, from teammates, from opposition players, to coaches, to fans and umpires," Bright said.

"The key to longevity is putting the negativity aside ... The one thing I've done my whole life is chase the footy and to still be doing that at 40 I'm sitting fairly well."

He added that while the men's Blues are enduring the tribulations of a rebuilding team this year, he's been happy with the efforts of players who are still learning the ropes.

"I think the key to rebuilding is making sure our young kids together... The score board doesn't reflect our season... It's turning up every weekend and putting in 100% effort."

Regardless, Bright is filled for gratitude for those he's shared his football journey with.

"I'm so thankful from the bottom of my heart just for everyone; for the whole club, for such a long time...

"Thanks is not enough sometimes but that's all I've really got."

Saturday's milestone match takes place at 2.30pm against the Bathurst Bushranger Outlaws, with a 12.30pm game between the Bushrangers and Blues women's teams starting proceedings.