Graham Fyfe is set to make his 200th senior game milestone for Redlands United at their next home game against Brisbane Strikers.
Fyfe is known as Mr Football by his teammates and has set an example for what young players at the club strive to achieve.
He arrived the club in 2009 and still remembers turning up for his first training session with the Queensland State League team.
“I turned up to training and couldn’t believe how good the fields were, they were unbelievable,” said Fyfe.
“Then I realised, no one gets to play on them because Brett doesn’t let them,” he laughed.
Fyfe has become a beloved player of the football community.
He has also been a part of the club’s biggest moments – two championships, a premiership and that memorable win against Adelaide United in the Westfield FFA Cup last year.
“Obviously the Adelaide game was something so special,” he said.
“In 2012, where we won the league, we were the best team after the first four games until the end.
“2009 was fantastic, in a different way, because it was a new bunch of lads and it was just the best team environment I’ve had, even though most have been good,” Fyfe said.
Despite being a part of all these moments, Fyfe does not have a favourite and believes they are all special in their own little way.
Now as one of the most senior and experienced players on the squad, Fyfe loves nothing more than being able to help the younger members of the team flourish and excel in the sport he loves.
“I just want them to do as well as they can because I know how good it can be to be part of winning teams and to play for as long as you can,” he said.
Fyfe’s wisdom and knowledge of the game are now being shared with the next generation of footballers as he continues in his role as junior technical director at Redlands.
He still loves playing and although he is playing with a current injury, he wants to play as long as he can.
“Every time it is sore it’s like ‘that’s me, I’m done’ but there is just this fire in me that I’ve got to stay until I literally cannot play any more,” he said.
“If this injury goes away and you asked me then I’d probably say for another five years.
“If you asked me when it’s sore I’d probably say five minutes.”
Before Fyfe makes his 200th appearance in their home game against Brisbane Strikers on Friday April 28, Redlands travel up to Cairns for the Grand Final re-match against FNQ Heat.