Since taking over from Josh Walker in 2012, he's been the glue that has kept the Bulldogs together through some of the club’s darkest hours.

He has shed tears after hefty defeats and wooden spoons, ridden through a financial crisis and hung tough in times when the John Flower Oval has been like a revolving door.

Coach Dean Harding speaks from the heart when he talks about his ruckman and mate ahead of his 150th match against Yarrawonga today.

“The thing about Sam Maher is he’s been a constant for the footy club over the past 10 years,” Harding said.

“He epitomises what we are trying to do in that we are based on effort.

“Sammy’s the type of bloke every club wants.

“He pretty much does it all in regards to being a terrific leader as well as being a great support to me and the coaching staff.

“Then you see him helping the juniors and Jets.”

While Maher never imagined he would play 150 matches for Wodonga, he is proud to become the 25th player to reach the milestone.

The big Bulldog has no intentions of moving on either.

“It is a big honour,” Maher said.

“I never thought I would play 150 games.

“It’s a club that has a lot of legends and I certainly don’t put myself in that category.

“Dad always said I should play at the highest level I could for as long as I could and I think that’s pretty good advice.”

It hasn’t stopped a plethora of country football clubs from asking the question though.

He has been heavily targeted by Tallangatta and District and Hume league clubs throughout his career, but has remained firm in his response: “thanks, but no thanks”.

Wodonga will be gunning for its best start to a season in years when it takes on last year’s grand finalists Yarrawonga at John Flower Oval today.

The return of Connor Hargreaves from SANFL club Central District is a huge boost for the Pigeons, particularly with Wodonga forwards Daniel Bradshaw and Matt Seiter in good form.

Maher said it was important Wodonga built on its opening two wins against North Albury and Wangaratta Rovers.

“Things have been going well for us so far,” he said.

“It’s only early but we needed to start the season well and we have.

“Yarrawonga is going to be a huge game for us though.”

Age: 29

Debut: 2006 v Wodonga Raiders

Games: 149

Best win: It’s hard to pick one out but we were fairly successful when I first started playing senior football.

Lowest moment: I battled with injuries in 2009 and struggled to get back into the senior team.

Toughest opponent: Ash Eames and Josh Frawley were monsters.

Best player played with: Jarrod Twitt when he was at his peak. Darren Bradshaw was unstoppable at times as well.