Aaron Bruce stops to think about what a place in the history books really means.
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It is a by-product of his desire to lead the Canberra Demons to a maiden premiership against the odds.
Bruce will become the NEAFL's most-capped player when he runs out for his 155th match against the Northern Territory Thunder at Manuka Oval on Saturday.
He knew the milestone was coming when he was tapped on the shoulder about six weeks ago, and somewhat poetically, Bruce will surpass Thunder great Darren Ewing's mark against NT.
But what the record truly does is give the 29-year-old a chance to say thanks - to his family, to his coach, to his club.
"It takes a fair bit of sacrifice personally and from my own family to allow me to do it for so long, it's nice recognition and reward I suppose in a way for them," Bruce said.
"They've been the ones that have supported me and allowed me to do it. I have immense pride in being one of the key elements in helping build the program and our organisation.
"We've been able to build our own identity, and the fact we're pretty much competitive in just about every game against pretty much every opposition, that's a nice place to have gotten to, considering we weren't earlier on."
Eastlake endured a lean run with four wins in two years before rebranding as Canberra en route to a three-win season.
Kade Klemke's arrival saw the tide begin to change, and Bruce has been a leader of the pack ever since.
Bruce will stride onto the Manuka Oval turf not only as the NEAFL's most capped player, but a five-time club leading goal-kicker and two-time conference team of the year member.
It is an impressive resume to say the least, however the ultimate prize has eluded Bruce in a competition which can so often be decided by the health of each AFL club's list.
Canberra are locked in a three-horse race for the final place in the top six with Sydney University and the Gold Coast Suns, and every club is chasing the unbeaten Brisbane Lions.
It is anything but a fait accompli but a finals berth is seen as the bare minimum for the Demons this year - and only once they get there can Bruce even begin to contemplate lifting the trophy.
"We're in the thick of our season," Bruce said.
"We've really been fighting our season over the past couple of weeks to make sure we're still in the hunt for finals, which is certainly our goal again after last year.
"In terms of what I do at the end of the year, I think the club would be open and keen for me to go around again, but I haven't really thought about it to be honest.
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"The body is still good, so mind willing, I'd certainly be looking to go around again.
"If we won a flag then I would potentially sail off into the sunset, but there's a fair bit of water to go under that bridge."
He finishes that quote with a chuckle, fully aware of the fight Canberra have on their hands.
And even a fairytale flag might not be enough to see Bruce hang up the boots.
The prospect of lacing up the boots alongside his brother Josh - the highly-rated St Kilda forward - could be enough to stave off retirement for years to come.
"I might see if I can hang on," Bruce laughed.
"But with any luck he'll be down there for a few years yet."
NEAFL ROUND 16
Saturday: Canberra Demons v Northern Territory Thunder at Manuka Oval, 12pm.
CANBERRA
B: 35. T Highmore, 12. J Spina, 21. M Vardanega
HB: 18. A Baker, 2. A Paech, 25. S Martyn
C: 20. J Harper, 6. A Smout, 36. L Meline
HF: 4. A Bruce, 24. H Carr, 16. M Hardie
F: 13. T Faul, 11. R Corbett, 3. A Swan
R: 19. J Maynard, 17. J Osborne, 8. M Maguire
Int: 15. K Evans, 7. C Owen-Auburn, 27. R Pollock, 9. J Powell, 23. G Richardson
Emg: 30. J Adamson, 37. R Budd, 29. B Halse
NT THUNDER
B: 46. J Jeffrey, 42. K Delahunty, 16. K Parnell
HB: 39. D Johnston, 20. J Monigatti, 11. P Wills
C: 34. B Carroll, 18. J Templeton, 48. J Stevens
HF: 38. E Liddle, 58. N Lockyer Jnr, 6. D Williams
F: 3. B Rioli, 26. T Melville, 12. A Tipungwuti
R: 7. J Hannath, 24. A Ankers, 21. C Williams
Int: 44. J Budarick, 52. K Maroney, 35. D McLachlan, 40. J Simon, 49. B Rusca
Emg: 31. J Budarick, 51. B O'Connell