AARON BLACK COLUMN - THE WEST AUSTRALIAN

We have a big milestone achievement this week, as Andrew Strijk plays his 200th game, making him the 20th player in West Perth’s 132-year history to do so. 

A wonderful achievement for a fantastic servant and even better personality from our football club. As we take on Swan Districts in a must win game, there is no bigger motivation to win than to do it for one of the best to have worn the red and blue jumper. 

Debuting for West Perth in 2006, Strijky was drafted by the Eagles in 2010, playing 13 games over a three-year span before winning a premiership in 2013, a fairest and best also that year and representing the state on six occasions to cap off his very impressive resume.

It is far from finished as well with plenty of good football in front of him.

Well known for his outstanding kicking skills, he has spent majority of his career being thrown from half back to half forward and everywhere in between, making himself extremely useful at either end. Either kicking bags of goals at one end or stopping them and setting them up at the other. 

This year he has found himself parked in front of goals, leading out of the goal square and has provided us with a damaging target up forward. I'm sure this will be no different on Sunday as he will play a pivotal role up forward for us and will no doubt provide some magic for the viewers throughout the day.

After a disappointing showing last weekend in the derby, we get another opportunity this weekend against quality opposition to rectify our mistakes. Swan Districts always provide some great competition and have been in good form recently, after beating Perth last week. We will have to be at our best and improve drastically from our previous performance in order to beat them. 

A milestone game is always big-time motivation, especially for someone like Strijky. Hopefully we learnt and have improved on last week and are able to put in a performance to be proud of, one which Strijky deserves.