The Yarrawonga veteran, who will play his 200th senior game today, conceded retirement was starting to appear on the horizon after a stellar career.

“I don’t think it will go beyond this year,” O’Brien, 32, said.

“One more, maybe, but it’s getting harder to recover.”

O’Brien, who played 76 games at Wangaratta Rovers before joining the Pigeons, said he was “proud” to join the 200-club against Wodonga today.

The dual premiership midfielder said his shock omission against Wangaratta last month — which left him stranded on 198 games — had reminded him to appreciate every moment he had left on the field.

“It did hit home a bit,” O’Brien said.

“But I’m glad it happened.

“I actually really enjoyed playing in the reserves. It’s what footy is about, isn’t it?

“It was an enjoyable game of footy and a good experience.”

Yarrawonga co-coach Chris Kennedy said O’Brien deserved to reach the milestone.

“I’ve had a lot to do with Jez over the years,” Kennedy said.

“He’s one of the best ball users Yarra has had in a long time. He’s achieved a lot.”

The Pigeons tackle the Bulldogs at J.C. Lowe Oval today without a host of key names.

Brad O’Connor (calf), Brendan Fevola (suspended), Marcus McMillan and Michael Handby (unavailable) are all missing.

Kennedy said he’d be keeping a close eye on Lavington’s blockbuster clash with Albury but wasn’t concerned about Yarrawonga’s fading chances of claiming top spot.

“That’s out of our hands now,” he said.

“It’s unlikely but we came from second last year, so we know it can be done.

“Our aim all along was to finish top three and being right when it matters, which we are confident of doing.”

The Bulldogs have been struck again by injury, with promising tall Andrew Carter breaking his wrist last week.