There are no guarantees in AFL football.

Jye Caldwell knows that better than most.

As a top draft pick, expectation follows you from the moment your name is called. The pressure to prove yourself. The pressure to belong.

One hundred games later, Caldwell has done exactly that.

But if you ask him, he's only just getting started.

When Essendon runs out against North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon, the hard-nosed midfielder will celebrate game No.100, becoming the latest Bomber to reach the century mark.

"I never thought that I'd probably be in this position now, playing my 100th game," Caldwell said.

"When I was younger, you'd see people play 200 AFL games and you wouldn't think much of it.

"But now being in the system and knowing how hard it actually is... it takes a lot to get there."

The journey wasn't straightforward.

There was the move interstate as a teenager after being selected with pick No.11 in the 2018 AFL Draft, the challenge of establishing himself at AFL level and injuries that repeatedly interrupted his momentum. 

Every setback demanded resilience.

A move to Essendon ahead of the 2021 season gave Caldwell a chance to blossom, the Bendigo product developing into one of the club's most important midfielders.

Built on pressure, grit, hard-work and selflessness.

The hallmarks of Caldwell's game were forged over years of persistence rather than appearing overnight.

"I've learned a lot about myself and my body," Caldwell said.

"Early on it was probably playing footy just to survive the match and get through the match.

"But as I moved on, I've shifted my focus to actually trying to play well and dominate and become a consistent AFL player."

Experience has also changed the way he prepares.

"Your sleep, your diet, your physical readiness," he said.

"Being mentally refreshed, not holding previous performances or being too far in the future, just being present and knowing what's in front of you."

Just as importantly, Caldwell has learnt to separate football from life.

Time with family and friends, listening to music and a growing passion for making coffee have all become part of that routine.

"There's two different people there. There's the footballer Jye and there's the human,” Jye said.

"I've learned I've got a good balance outside of footy.

"I love spending time with mates. I love listening to music. I like making coffee.”

Sunday's milestone won't just belong to Caldwell.

It will belong to the people who have helped him reach it.

"This weekend my family will be there. All my mates. I think my Pa's coming down to watch my first game, which is really nice,” Jye said.

"But it's all their support as well. You can't do it without those core pillar family members and friends. So they're all going to be there supporting me, and yeah, I'm looking forward to running out there."

Whether it was in orange or red and black, Caldwell said the support from fans has never been taken for granted.

"The two football clubs, especially with the fans, they're so loyal and passionate, so showing up for them each week is super important. I love getting out there and playing in front of them as well."

While reaching 100 games is a milestone worth celebrating, Caldwell's focus still remains firmly on what comes next.

"Right now I'm just focusing on football and getting my body right and Essendon back to where it needs to be."

And when his playing days eventually come to an end, he hopes his legacy won't be measured by games played.

"I want to be known as a very hard-working person who left no stone unturned," he said.

"Very trustworthy, but also an easy-going guy.

"I give it my all, but I enjoy life, I enjoy the football club and everything that comes with it."

For a player whose career has been built on hard work, selflessness and continual growth, game No.100 will not be the finish line, but rather another step in a journey that's still unfolding.