400 gamer Kyel Bain with daughters Indi, Ava and Savannah, and wife Sarah.
Kyel Bain made his senior debut for the Blighty Football Netball Club at the tender age of 15.
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And even though he’s been a consistent team player ever since, he never quite expected to reach the almighty milestone of 400 senior club games.
The milestone was reached last Saturday, which just happened to be the Redeyes’ final home game of the Picola League’s season.
Bain’s record includes 364 senior games and 36 reserves matches.
“It’s taken a lot of time and pre-seasons and not having any major injuries has helped,” he said.
“I started senior footy at 15, so 25 years of pre-season, training nights and Saturdays has been a lot of commitment, but enjoyable.
“It has gotten a bit harder as the body gets older, but thanks to Voltaren I’ve made it.”
The milestone match was played against Barooga on Sponsor’s and Life Member’s Day.
Inspired by the magnitude of the day, the home side delivered an exceptional result.
Against the third-placed side in the league, the 13th placed Blighty seniors won by 10 points.
It was their third win of the season.
While difficult to keep track of such a long football career spanning multiple decades, the effort Bain has given is clear.
Whatever the team and club has needed from Bain on the field, he has played that role.
Primarily in the last few years, this has been as a key position back or forward.
And his contribution hasn’t stopped, either.
Bain has kicked 12 goals in the team’s last four games, including leading the league in round 15 with a bag of seven against Mathoura two weeks ago.
Bain has had a range of outstanding highlights and memories from across his senior club career.
These include coaching Blighty to a premiership in the 2019 reserves grand final.
And although Bain has never reached a Picola League seniors grand final, having played in seven preliminary finals has been a hallmark.
Other more notable personal experiences Bain described include playing alongside his brother Ash and dad Gilbert.
He also singled out playing in a milestone game with Leigh Culton, Jarrod Andrews and Brett Napier, but thanks all his teammates and the club for making the milestone possible.
“(It’s) the mates you make, the people you meet,” he said.
“Over my time playing, I’ve played with some good players, but one that stands out is Sam Singleton.
“His attack on the ball and leadership is second to none.
“I also want to thank the club.
“Over the years we’ve had some good times and bad, but we always find the light at the end of the tunnel.
“The last few years have been tough, but we are heading in the right direction.”
A guard of honour cheered Kyel Bain onto the field for his 400th senior and reserves club game.
Kyel Bain is chaired off by Boddie Arthur and Jett Lia.
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