MOST players can count their number of grand final appearances on one hand.
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Unless you happen to be Albury star Joel Mackie, who needs two hands and a few toes as well.
Grand finals have become as common as Christmas for Mackie who has played in 12 consecutive deciders and 13 in total.
Mackie's astonishing run of success started in 2007 while still at North Albury where he played in the losing side against Wangaratta.
He made amends the following season, having the ultimate success with home club Jindera.
Mackie crossed to Albury in 2009 with his arrival coinciding with the equal most dominant era in O&M history.
Since 2009 the Tigers have won seven of 10 grand finals, emulating Wangaratta Rovers of the 1970s.
Mackie holds the league record of 12 O&M grand finals appearances after also playing in the losing decider for North Albury against Wodonga in his debut season in 2004.
"It's hard to believe that I've got the record," Mackie said.
"When I first signed for Albury way back in 2009, I thought we could challenge for a flag.
"But I never thought in my wildest dreams that Albury could play in 10 straight grand finals.
"It's a credit to the boys who came together at that time and stuck it out and really wanted to be a part of something special.
"History says winning back-to-back flags is hard enough but to be able to have a decade of dominance - it's unbelievable to be honest."
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Mackie will play his 200th match in yellow and black against Corowa-Rutherglen on the weekend.
He has also notched 51 games at North Albury from 2004-07 and half a season each at Woodville West Torrens and Jindera in 2008.
The 32-year-old said he was proud of the milestone.
"I'm proud to have played at the one club for so long," he said.
"A few have from this era, Luke Daly, Luke Packer and Chris Hyde most recently have been able to notch the milestone and it's pretty special."
Mackie was hot property at the end of 2008 with dozens of clubs circling for his signature after a dominant finals series with Jindera.
The dual Morris medallist said he weighed up a few offers but in the end the opportunity to play under Paul Spargo at the Sportsground was too hard to ignore.
"Spargo won me over pretty quick after meeting with him," he said.
"There were a few of the other boys that came aboard at the same time.
"I had known Shaun Daly through juniors and when Hydey signed it was pretty exciting.
"I could sense something was brewing and wanted to be part of it.
"Looking back at North Albury, I missed out twice on grand finals and I wanted to make amends.
"To have the ultimate success in 2009 in my first season was pretty special."
Fast forward eleven seasons and it's fair to say Mackie has delivered in spades.
A dual Morris medallist and best and fairest winner in 2012 and 2015, alongside a Did Simpson medal in 2015 is testament to Mackie's ability to shine on the big stage.
Mackie credited Spargo for having the biggest influence on his career.
"Spargo was huge for my development," he said.
"Just his ability to get not only the best he could out of me but everyone on the list.
"His ability to motivate is second to none, was great for me personally and got me on the right path.
"There is a lot of good people at the club that don't get the recognition but they have stuck by me and supported me to get to where I am."
Mackie was also quick to pay tribute to North Albury coach Corey Lambert who he played under at Bunton Park early on in his career.
Ironically, Mackie and Lambert could have been reunited at Tigerland in 2009.
"Corey early on gave me an opportunity and I was really grateful for that," he said.
"I have a really good friendship with Lambert.
"I think he really kick started my career and still being relatively young and immature when I arrived at Albury - Spargo added the polish."
For whatever reason, whether it be jealously or simply because of his ability, Mackie seems to be one player opposition supporters love to hate.
Mackie said the haters are always going to hate.
"There is a fair bit of resentment from opposition towards Albury and myself," he said.
"But the success we have been able to achieve doesn't come without hard work.
"They don't hand premierships out on platters and you have to earn them.
"I feel we have a unique group that is driven by the goal of achieving the ultimate success.
"The opposition seem to love to hate me, especially when you are getting a kick.
"But I love it and just try and let my footy do the talking."
While Mackie is among the most decorated players in the league, he rates the flag successes as the highlight of his career.
"Premierships are the highlight for sure," he said.
"You put so much work in during the season and to top it off with a flag is an unreal feeling.
"To celebrate with the club, supporters and teammates especially - it's a pretty good time.
"You can also win a few individual awards but I just see them as the icing on the cake."
Mackie is the first to admit he may not be as silky as a Hyde or Dean Polo but says his competitive nature makes up for his lack of polish.
"I think my toughness and competitiveness are my biggest assets," he said.
"I'm not going to say I've got the flashiest skills or the quickest bloke running around.
"I'm definitely not that.
"I just have a crack."
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