Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow says he plays every game like it is a Grand Final.
The talented midfielder is in line to play his 100th game against the Gold Coast on Saturday and has become a crucial link in Fremantle’s midfield.
Barlow, who was drafted to the club as a mature-age recruit at pick eight in the 2009 Rookie Draft, said he never took any game for granted.
We can match it with any midfield: Barlow
“I play every week like it’s my Grand Final,” he said.
“I can’t allow myself to slip or deviate too far from my personals standards.
“Otherwise I compromise myself and in turn, compromise the team.”
Barlow said while 100 games was a significant milestone to his friends and family, his focus was on contributing each week to team success.
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“I’m really motivated by maintaining a high standard and that’s all of my focus at the moment,” he said.
In his debut year in 2010, he won the AFL Player’s Association Best First Year Player and Fremantle’s Beacon Award, for the club’s best first or second year player.
Fremantle play Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday 13 June. Bounce down is at 1.40pm local time.