Buninyong champion Alex Bomitali clocked up a significant milestone in his side's win over Springbank at the weekend, running out for his 200th game.
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The former captain of the club was met with applause and cheers from teammates and fans at home, the Bombers continuing on to win 9.6 (60) to 6.5 (41) in the midfielders milestone game.
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Bomitali told The Courier it was a privilege to play so many games for the club and even better to get a win to go with it.
"Massive honour. I learnt yesterday there's only 22 other players that had played 200 or more (for Buninyong). To be one of those was a pretty big honour," he said.
"I never thought about going anywhere else but I didn't think that I'd get an opportunity to be able to captain and play so many games relatively injury free, so I guess that's the biggest thing."
The 30-year-old made his debut for the Bombers in 2011, crossing over from junior club Mount Clear.
He has featured in Buninyong's four grand final appearances since 2012 and captained the side through countless other deep finals runs.
He said the urge to win that elusive premiership it what helps motivate him still.
"It's a major drive behind why I still back it up every year and not only that, I just love it, love the people and love having a kick but it's always in the back of your mind, that elusive grand final (win)," he said.
Coach Shaun O'Loughlin said Bomitali has been such a great servant of the club for a long period and deserves all the praise that comes with the 200-game milestone and life membership of the club.
"Bomba's been a great contributor for the club for a long period of time now, he's really well respected by all of the members of our club but also among the opposition clubs too," he said.
"He's just given his heart and soul to the footy club for a long time now and it's great that he got rewarded Saturday with life membership of the club.
"We're really proud of all that he's done for our club and hope he can keep going for a bit longer yet."
O'Loughlin, who joined Buninyong at the end of the 2018 season, said Bomitali was a great help in settling him into the club, as he is with recruits and new staff.
"Bomba's one of those guys, any new players that we get or coaching staff that we get to the club, Bomba's one of those first ones to make you feel comfortable and welcome," he said.
"He's done that with a lot of our new recruits as well this year, a few of them were talking (Saturday) night about how Bomba was one of those first ones to come up and chat and get to know them.
"He's just a really good fella and I think footy clubs are made even better when you've got great guys like that around the club, we're lucky to have Boma."
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