Saxon Woodroffe has never considered playing football anywhere else but Rockbank.
There’s been a few highs and even more lows, but he’s always stayed loyal to the club where he began his football career as a 10-year-old.
“Over the years there has been some success, but a lot of hard times,” Woodroffe said.
“For me it was never really ever an option to go elsewhere, even when I moved away from the area. I’m a pretty loyal bloke and I stuck with the club.”
On Saturday he’s set to step out on the field for his 400th game at the club, including juniors and seniors. He’s the first player to play 400 games for the club.
Woodroffe said he knew the milestone game was approaching, but admitted to not knowing in which round. He said he kept playing each year for a few different reasons, but mostly friendship.
“I love footy and have always been pretty fit and healthy. It’s a good way to keep going in the winter months.
“A lot of mates come through footy and I try to catch up with them when they come to past players days “The team aspect is great.”
After a couple of lean years, which included 18 months without a win, Woodroffe is hoping the club is coming out the other side.
He said the round two win against Lancefield, the team’s first win since the middle of 2015, had been a special day.
And while he’s only played in a couple of finals series in his career he hopes there will be a few more to come.
“I last played finals three to four years ago, hopefully with the players coming through the ranks we can get back there.
“The young blokes are developing and are taking the next step and we’ve got a couple of recruits with a bit more experience.”
The majority of the current playing group has gone through the under-18s, which Woodroffe has coached for the past three years.
And the 35-year-old has no plans to slow down.
“I’m still training and keeping up with the younger blokes,” he said. “I don’t see me retiring anytime soon.”
