The league's oldest player at 39 suffered the worrying foot injury against Wangaratta Rovers on July 6 and was forced to miss last Saturday's win over Albury.

Former and current AFL stars Robert Harvey, Josh Kennedy and Marc Murphy have all suffered the serious injury, but Hunt has been training this week and is determined to play in team-mate Matt Pendergast's 300^th game away to North Albury on August 3.

It was originally thought the popular Pendergast would rack up the milestone at home against Wangaratta on Saturday, but the league count now has him on 298.

"It's extremely important to play that game, I've played over 90 per cent of those games with him, I'd love to be out there with him," Hunt said.

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Ironically, Hunt also has a major milestone riding on his recovery.

The two-time Lavington premiership player has played 412 games and is now just four short of equalling Matt Allen's mark of 416.

If Hunt had played every match he would have claimed the record in the round 18 home clash against Corowa-Rutherglen, but the injury will now dictate when, and if, he reaches the mark.

"I spoke to the sports doctor about the long-term effects, so if it does completely rupture, what happens?" he said.

"He put my mind at ease a little bit as to how that would work out."

Hunt is now in his 23^rd season of senior football and with the Panthers leading the competition, he naturally wants a part of finals action.

"Spots are hard to come by as well, so the longer you are out, the more chance you are to come back through the reserves and the harder it is to get back in," he said.

"If I get through training this week, I'll play."

Hunt has played some superb football, including a blistering four-goal effort against Albury in a cracking game on June 15.

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