"It is something that is really special and it means a lot to me, and I've seen it mean a lot to other players. I remember when Ash and Kyle got his 100th game, and Whitey got his it meant a lot to them and now that it's fast approaching for me I really do understand how much of a great achievement it is."

Playing different roles over the years, missing the premiership (despite playing in the reserves flag) in 2009, having a season-ending injury in 2012 and now having to bounce back from being dropped all lead to the milestone meaning a lot to Bairstow now.

"Over time you learn that everyone has their own opinions and that those opinions can change from year to year. To be honest, it is probably a good thing and it makes me appreciate playing back in the team again even more.

"It hasn’t been the easiest thing this year to get back into the side, but you probably do get a bit carried away when you keep getting games week after week, year after year and it can tick over pretty quick, but once you miss out you really start to realise how important it is to you."

"When I first started we were a very successful and strong team, and it was hard to get into the team. Then once you got into the team, it was hard to get out as long as you kept doing your job and playing well. That was a big part of those successful teams," Bairstow said.

"When you see blokes chopping and changing every week, at the end of the day it's because of the result. If we are winning, then everyone holds their spot and plays week to week. The worst part of football is blokes missing out and as a group it should be your biggest drive knowing that if you win games, everyone plays again the next week."

Since the losing first semi-final to Subiaco in 2011, South Fremantle hasn’t made finals and won't again in 2014 having now lost five straight matches, but Bairstow knows how important it is for the playing group to stick together and find new ways to measure themselves.

"As soon as you start worrying about wins and losses, and judge yourselves on that then you will be in trouble because realistically where we are right now, we're not going to get the wins at the moment.

"We need to judge ourselves on something else, we need another barometer. We just have to try and get back to enjoying our footy, getting around each other and as a group we have to look after each other, and make sure we are going forward together."

Bairstow has seen a huge change in not only the football club and the playing group at South Fremantle over the past five years, but also how quickly playing in the WAFL while trying to build your life outside of the game makes you mature and grow up.

"Even from two years ago, our playing group has changed dramatically and that happens especially at WAFL level. You don’t have as many blokes sticking around for three, four or five years anymore, and that is becoming more and more rare.

"Blokes move on because of opportunities or work reasons and for the lifestyle, and that's probably the biggest difficulty WAFL footy has to try and maintain those blokes. There is a balance between being too professional and still enjoying it like you would at community level."

It has been impossible also for Bairstow to escape the endless comparisons and questions about his father – 1986 Sandover Medal winner with South Fremantle and 146-game AFL player and Geelong grand final captain, Mark.

"I get asked a lot about my dad, but I didn’t feel any pressure at all. All he has done is make my pathway a lot easier and he hasn’t missed too many games," Bairstow said.

"He might have missed a couple because of the races on a Saturday, but we haven’t got that many going that quick at the moment. Both mum and dad come to every game to support me. Having that surname has made it easier if anything."