AS A YOUNGSTER, Luke McPharlin wasn't entirely sold on the merits of an AFL career.

While football has been just one part of his life throughout his 10 years in the game, the 27-year-old said he was grateful for the journey and proud of what he's achieved ahead of his 150th game against Essendon this Sunday.

"I'm the first to admit I wasn't entirely keen on the idea of a career in the AFL," McPharlin said from Fremantle Oval on Monday.

"It was pretty much just an open mind and, 'Let's try this and see what happens', (but) I've certainly been thankful for the journey and where it's got me."

McPharlin was keener on basketball and athletics as a junior. Nonetheless, he was plucked from high school football by Hawthorn in 1999 and has gone on to have an impact at the elite level as a key backman and a pinch-hitting forward.

He says now that football has been "a tremendous part" of his life, but he has always set out to keep things balanced and in perspective.  

"Despite it being quite an overwhelming sport, I've tried to keep a level head about it and appreciate that it is just a game after all," he said.

"I pursue studies, music and other aspects, and I think it benefits my football.

"I think the more players get involved in other aspects of life, it does benefit your football because it is such an overwhelming industry.

"Having a mental break from football is critically important (and) I've always been a great believer that it actually benefits your football."

The smoky of the 1999 national draft, McPharlin didn’t play at colts level in the WAFL, and he didn’t attend that year's draft camp.

However, the Hawks selected the athletic youngster with pick No.10.

Two seasons and 12 games later, McPharlin was bundled up with Trent Croad and sent home to play with Fremantle, but he still had an almighty hurdle to get over.

"There were a couple of times where I thought I would struggle to get there, just getting my body right," McPharlin said of the severe osteitis pubis that struck him during his time at Hawthorn. 

"But I thank a lot of people for helping me along the journey, in particular our esteemed physio Jeffrey Boyle, who has been sensational in getting me back.

"He was absolutely critical. There's no doubting his understanding of the condition of OP, he's written some research papers on it.

"He basically took me back to scratch and built up my core stability and allowed time for everything to sort of right itself."

McPharlin says he hasn't been entirely happy with his 2009 season, but puts his inconsistent campaign down, in part, to playing a variety of roles.

"Hopefully the team will settle down a bit more and I can find a bit more of a niche," he said. 

"Ideally I'd like to play for a few more years, provided everything goes well and provided I'm still a required player.

"We've had our ups and downs at Fremantle, but I've certainly enjoyed playing here."