It's not hard to realise why Michael D'Arcy is so well respected at Jindera.
D'Arcy arrived on the Border from Caloundra in 2015 and was instantly made welcome at the kennel.
Fast forward to now and D'Arcy has played in three grand finals for the Bulldogs and is on the committee.
D'Arcy conceded that it was rare that a player joined the committee while still playing after notching his 100-match milestone with the Bulldogs late in 2019.
But he felt joining the committee was a token of his appreciation for all the club had done for him when he first arrived in town.
"I joined the committee last year before COVID struck," D'Arcy said.
"The club has done a lot for me since I relocated from Queensland including finding employment for me.
"Coming to a new town and not knowing anybody can be tough.
"But I guess that's one of the beaut things about football clubs, you arrive there and you instantly meet a stack of new people.
"So I thought joining the committee is a way that I could give something back."
D'Arcy has played predominantly as a key forward since joining the kennel .
However, the return of Ben Dower this season after a coaching stint at Mitta United has resulted in D'Arcy spending a lot more time in the ruck.
"Being 195cm I guess it's inevitable that I was going to end up in the ruck at some stage," he said.
"Ben has slotted in as a key forward but I have enjoyed the challenge of rucking.
"Playing forward you have to rely on the delivery a fair bit to get a kick.
"But being in the ruck you are always in the contest and can have a lot more impact.
"But you are always a lot sorer on a Sunday if you have played in the ruck."
D'Arcy conceded he had dodged a bullet and hasn't crossed paths with Matt Seiter and Nick Madden who are among the two most dominant big men in the competition.
"I was injured when we played Brock-Burrum and Osborne and didn't have to ruck against Seiter or Madden," he said.
"I have rucked against Seiter before and the big fella thrives on being intimidating and getting on top of his opponent early.
"Madden has got a lot of talent and potential.
"I remember I was coaching the thirds a few years back and he was still eligible for fourths and I couldn't believe the size of him then.
"He certainly hasn't shrunk and is going to be a giant when he stops growing.
"You wouldn't be surprised to see him get drafted that's for sure."
D'Arcy was looking forward to being reunited with his brother Tim this season who is a premiership player with Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
But his talented sibling decided not to play due to personal reasons.
After a slow start to the season the Bulldogs have won their past three matches.
D'Arcy said they will be looking to add to that tally over the final three weeks before finals commence to help attract potential recruits for next season.
