Paul Barnard will play his 100th game for Essendon Football Club against Sydney this weekend and it is a milestone he will cherish more than most. Barnard has never been one of the stars of the game - he didn't walk into AFL football and take it by storm and he won't make millions from the game. He is simply a bloke who battled very hard to earn his stripes. Initially he was one of those players match committees found easy to drop - when a spot had to be found for someone they would take the soft option. But Barnard kept working, kept performing and is now a regular in the Essendon seniors.

When Barnard looks back on his career, the 2000 premiership and his four-goal performance off the bench will be seen as the crowning achievement. But he will also be more than a little chuffed to say he played 100-plus games for an Essendon side that was arguably as good as any the club has ever produced.

""It is a real thrill to reach this milestone,"" Barnard said. ""I took a while to find my way into AFL football and was then traded from Hawthorn to Essendon. It was a bit daunting when I first arrived here and I suppose any player that is traded feels as though he is on his last chance. But my time here has been great and whatever happens to me for the rest of my career, Essendon Football Club will always feel like home.""

Barnard has endeared himself to Bomber fans and has created a real niche for himself across half forward. He runs hard, marks well and is an excellent kick for goal. ""I'm one of those players who just had to work hard. I've had to fight tooth and nail for every game I've ever played and that is why I really appreciate this milestone.""

Of course the Bombers head into this weekend's match against Sydney under a fair bit of pressure following consecutive losses. ""It is not a huge concern at the moment but there is no doubt we need to start winning again,"" Barnard said. ""I also think to play home and away matches under a bit of pressure will be good preparation for the finals. You would rather drop a couple now than in a month's time.""